Cesarean section
A cesarean section is a common method of delivery performed in the operating room and involves making an incision in the abdomen to remove the baby from the uterus. In this method, the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen instead of passing through the birth canal (vaginal delivery). The majority of cesarean deliveries are performed to prevent illness and sometimes because vaginal delivery poses a threat to the health of the mother and baby. Given the high demand for this type of delivery, the obstetrician-gynecologist assesses the mother's condition and then makes the necessary decisions.
Reasons for performing a cesarean section:• Cephalopelvic head-to-pelvic disproportion
• History of cesarean section
• Multiple pregnancy
• Placenta breech
• Transverse position of the baby in the uterus
• Breech position of the baby
• Mother suffering from sexually transmitted diseases
• Umbilical cord problems
• Uterine rupture
• Fetus that has passed stool
• Mother's heart disease or blood pressure
• Changes in the baby's heart rate
• Rupture of the water bag
• Baby weighing more than 4.5 kg
The postpartum period is one of the most important stages in a mother's life. Proper care during these 6 to 8 weeks is effective in the mother's health, growth and development of the baby.
The baby also undergoes significant growth and development changes during this stage, and the mother's health and recovery after cesarean section play a significant role in this regard.
Hospitalization instructions:
• Walk with the help of a nurse or companion every two to three hours
• Inform your nurse of any abnormal bleeding or blood clots
• Keep your dressing clean and inform your nurse if it gets wet or if there is any discharge
• Maintain personal hygiene and be sure to wash your hands before breastfeeding
• Avoid sitting too much and sleep upright for 24 hours after the operation to avoid complications from anesthesia
• Before getting out of bed, sit on the side of the bed for 10 minutes and hang your legs
• Empty your bladder regularly (at least every 4 hours)
• There may be significant bleeding for up to 24 hours after the cesarean section, but the blood volume will gradually decrease.
• Vaginal discharge may also be seen for up to a month.
• Pain at the surgical site and pain from uterine contractions may be felt during breastfeeding.
• This pain is due to the uterus returning to its pre-pregnancy state and can be relieved with painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
Education during discharge:
• Maternal nutrition after cesarean section:
It is recommended to avoid eating bloating foods such as raw fruit, raw fruit juice, factory juices such as sandwiches, and ... beans for three days after cesarean section.
Foods such as kebabs, grilled chicken, boiled meat or chicken, and cooked vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, potatoes, and thin compote are more suitable. In case of constipation, use olive oil, soaked prunes, and dried figs.
Try to drink enough water because it helps relieve constipation and, on the other hand, you need to replace the volume of fluids due to breastfeeding and bleeding.
• How to urinate:
Use a toilet seat to prevent pressure on the suture site.
• Post-Cesarean Activity:
Try to walk regularly because walking prevents bloating and constipation.
Try to rest during the hours when the baby is sleeping and avoid visiting relatives. Do not do heavy work at home for at least 3 months.
• When to start exercising:
Usually, the mother can walk from the 40th day and after obtaining permission, she can do postpartum exercises.
• Breastfeeding:
Regularly breastfeed from both breasts.
If you have any unusual conditions in your breasts, such as breast tenderness, pain, redness, or fever, inform your doctor and go to the hospital.
It is also necessary to wash the nipples with lukewarm water before and after each breastfeeding to prevent infection.
A cesarean section is a major operation.
• Expect the following after a cesarean:
1- Pain, which is usually more severe on the first day after surgery and should subside after that.
2- Discharge from the genitals, which is normal.
3- Drink plenty of water, between 8 and 10 glasses of water every day.
4- Avoid lifting heavy objects and climbing stairs.
Respected mothers should be careful not to think about losing weight at all in the first 6 weeks of pregnancy. Because restricting what you eat in the first week of pregnancy will reduce milk production.
Consuming foods that are full of fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, are a major part of this period.
• Never think about getting pregnant again too soon:
You need to strengthen your body's nutrient stores to give your fetus a good start.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding put a lot of strain on your body.
Successive pregnancies will put additional strain on your nutrient stores, such as calcium and iron, and your energy levels, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Do not severely restrict your calories during your first pregnancy to lose weight, as this diet will not provide you with important nutrients during pregnancy, such as calcium and iron.
• Tips for preventing infection after discharge:
* On the second day after surgery, you can take a shower standing up for one day due to the use of a transparent, waterproof adhesive dressing. On the 8th to 10th day after surgery, if necessary, you should visit the clinic to have the stitches removed.
* Hand washing is the most important principle in maintaining personal hygiene and preventing infection.
* If you experience redness, swelling, pain, or discharge or bleeding from the surgery area, be sure to visit the hospital so that the doctor can examine the area.
* Take the full course of antibiotics, even if you see signs of improvement.
* If you have a cold or flu, be sure to use a tissue when sneezing and coughing, and avoid touching doorknobs, kissing your loved ones, and shaking hands with others until you are fully recovered.
* If your hands are dirty (especially if you have a gastrointestinal illness), be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom.
• Warning signs:
• If you have any type of bleeding that is heavier than your period or if you pass a clot, call the hospital or go to the hospital
• If you have a fever, call the hospital
• If you have discharge or itching or redness at the site of the operation, go to the hospital