Cesarean Section at CHRISTUS Health
Our expert team offers comprehensive maternity care throughout your C-section experience—from pre-operative consultation to post-surgery recovery. Whether it's a planned procedure or an emergency, we provide compassionate, personalized support to ensure the best possible delivery for you and your baby.
What is a C-Section?
A cesarean section, commonly referred to as a C-section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. This method is often recommended when a vaginal delivery would put you or your baby at risk. At CHRISTUS Health, C-sections are performed with the utmost care, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for the arrival of your little one.
Why is a C-Section Sometimes Necessary?
Not every pregnancy will require a C-section, but certain situations may make it the safest option. These include:
- Fetal Distress: If the baby isn't getting enough oxygen or seems in trouble, a C-section may be done to make sure the baby is safely delivered.
- Breech Presentation: If the baby is positioned with their feet or buttocks first instead of head first, a C-section may be the safest way to deliver.
- Placenta Previa: A condition where the placenta is covering the cervix, blocking the birth canal.
- Failure to Progress: If labor stops or the cervix doesn’t open enough, a C-section may be needed.
- Multiple Pregnancies: In cases of twins or more, a C-section might be recommended, especially if the babies are not in the right position.
- Maternal Health Issues: Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or infections may make vaginal delivery too risky.
FAQs - What You Need to Know About a Cesarean Section
It can be both. A C-section can be either planned or an emergency. A planned C-section is scheduled before the baby is born, usually for medical reasons. An emergency C-section happens if there are problems during labor, like the baby being in distress or other issues with the birth.
Most C-sections are done with regional anesthesia, like an epidural or spinal block, which numbs the lower half of your body while you stay awake. In some emergencies, doctors might use general anesthesia, which makes you fully asleep.
A typical C-section takes about 30 to 60 minutes. The time can be different for each person, depending on the situation and how complicated the surgery is.
Yes, you can breastfeed after a C-section. CHRISTUS provides lactation support and will help you start breastfeeding as soon as you're able, and skin-to-skin contact is encouraged to help you bond with your baby.