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The procedure:
If your caesarean has been planned, you will be asked to eat a light meal the night
before your procedure, and you will not be allowed to eat or drink anything after
midnight.
You will be given medications to dry the secretions in your mouth and upper airway.
You will also be given an antacid.
The lower part of your abdomen will be washed with an antiseptic solution, shaved
and covered with a sterile drape. A screen will be placed in front of your face to
keep the surgical field sterile. This will block your view of the delivery. A catheter
will be inserted in your bladder to collect urine. An intravenous line will be
inserted to administer fluids and medications during your surgery.
An anesthetic will be administered. The type of anesthesia will be determined by the
condition of you and your baby. In most cases a spinal or epidural anesthetic will be
used to numb your legs and abdomen. Both types will allow you to remain awake without
feeling pain. A general anesthetic may be used in certain cases.
Once the anesthetic takes effect, an incision will be made through the wall of your
abdomen and then through the wall of your uterus. Two types of abdominal incisions can
be used. Your doctor will attempt to use a horizontal incision, sometimes known as
“the bikini cut.” This incision runs across the pubic hairline. A vertical
incision is sometimes used in an emergency. The uterine incision is made horizontally
on the lower part of the uterus.
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