The other major way of delivering a baby, other than vaginal delivery, is through cesarean procedure. Let’s examine how this procedure takes place.

A doctor performs a cesarean birth by making an incision in the wall of the abdomen and uterus.  There’s been a slow increase in the number of cesarean births during the past three decades.

In fact, in 2005, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reported that the percentage of babies delivered through cesarean was 29.1 percent, representing more than one fourth of all deliveries.

So what should you expect if you have to undergo a cesarean procedure? First, you can expect it to be short. The typical cesarean lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. The baby is normally delivered within 15 minutes or less. The rest of the time is spent closing the incision.

Before the procedure itself, the medical staff will give you an anesthetic (This could be epidural, spinal or general anesthesia).  a general anesthetic is usually used only in emergency cesarean procedures, since it takes effect immediately.

The epidural and spinal anesthesia numbs the area below the waist up to the abdomen (and sometimes even the legs). This will ensure you feel nothing during the procedure. The medical team will probably also use a catheter for collecting urine during the time your body is numb.

As for the surgery itself, your doctor will first make an incision within the wall of your abdomen. This is typically a vertical incision in emergency cesareans (running from the belly button to the pubic area).  This incision lets the doctor deliver your baby faster.

However, more common is a horizontal incision (or a bikini cut), made right above your pubic bone.  This is done in non-emergency cesareans. With this cut, the stomach muscles are not cut, but are pulled apart, allowing the doctor to reach the uterus.

The doctor next makes either a horizontal or vertical incision into the uterus. The vertical incision us normally done in complicated procedures, such as those involving placenta previa, babies with abnormalities, or emergencies.  For your next birth, if you’ve had a classical incision, a vaginal birth is not recommended.

Another lesser-used incision is called the lower segment vertical incision. this is normally used only when there are problems with your uterus that prevent the use of another incision. The most common type of incision is known as the low transverse incision. It has few risks or complications and will allow you to have a regular vaginal birth later.

After the incisions, the medical team will suction out the amniotic fluid and then deliver your child. The head of the baby is delivered first, allowing the nose and mouth to be cleaned out so he or she can breathe. After the body is delivered, the child is lifted so you can meet this new life you have brought into the world.

Many women panic when they hear the word “cesarean”,  however it has become a much safer procedure and is just one more option to ensure that more pregnancies conclude successfully.