WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Unplanned C-Section Essentials

Childbirth
Stages of labor
Unplanned C-Section Essentials
In this article, we'll delve into everything you need to know about emergency C-sections, empowering you with knowledge and understanding to face this journey confidently.
Let's explore together!
How to Prepare for an Emergency C-Section
Facing the possibility of an emergency C-section can feel overwhelming, especially when it hasn't been in your plans. While preparing for a vaginal birth remains a valid choice, acknowledging the likelihood of intervention can offer a sense of readiness.
Here's what you can do to prepare:
  • Educate Yourself: Read about the benefits and risks of emergency C-sections and gather information from trusted sources, like our midwife-written guides and webinars.
  • Craft Your Birth Plan: Include an 'In Case of Emergency C-Section' section in your birth plan. This way, your choices and wishes can still be respected during most emergency C-sections. Share multiple copies with the medical team.
  • Emergency Kit: Pack a small bag with essentials for after the C-section. Consider items like straws, a spill-proof cup, extra-long mobile charger, slip-on shoes/slippers, peppermint tea bags (to ease trapped gas and shoulder pain), and a curved cushion for cuddling and feeding your baby.
Reasons for an Emergency C-Section
Emergency C-sections are generally performed for medical reasons, ensuring the safety of both you and your baby. While most are unplanned, some women may opt for an unplanned caesarean for personal or psychological reasons. Here are common reasons for an emergency C-section:
  • Waters Breaking Early: If you were booked for an elective C-section and your waters break or you go into early labor, an emergency C-section might be necessary.
  • Health Complications: Medical conditions such as severe pre-eclampsia or concerns about your baby's well-being could warrant an emergency C-section.
  • Heavy Bleeding: Experiencing heavy bleeding from your vagina may require immediate intervention.
  • Cord Prolapse: If your baby's umbilical cord slips down before they do after your waters break, an emergency C-section becomes essential.
Categories of Emergency C-Section
Emergency C-sections are categorized based on the urgency with which the baby needs to be born. These categories help the medical team communicate effectively. The three categories are:
  1. Category 3: There is no strict time limit, and preparations can begin as long as there is no immediate risk to you or your baby. For instance, if you were scheduled for an elective C-section but went into early labor, you might have a Category 3 C-section.
  2. Category 2: Allows up to 90 minutes from the decision to birth. It's necessary if there's a compromise to your health or your baby's well-being. For example, severe pre-eclampsia or signs of distress during labor might prompt a Category 2 C-section.
  3. Category 1 (Crash): Requires delivery as soon as possible, not exceeding 30 minutes from the decision. This urgency is indicated when there is evidence of severe distress in your baby, heavy vaginal bleeding, or cord prolapse.
What Happens During an Emergency C-Section
While emergency C-sections can resemble planned ones, some differences exist due to the urgency. Here's what you can expect during the procedure:
  • Quick Discussions: Conversations with the medical team might feel more rushed. Familiarize yourself with the B.R.A.I.N. acronym to aid in decision-making.
  • Anesthesia Options: Most likely, you'll receive a spinal or epidural anesthetic. However, in rare cases requiring immediate birth and no time for anesthetic to take effect, general anesthesia may be necessary.
  • Incision and Birth: Your skin will be cleaned and draped, and an incision will be made at your bikini line. Once your baby is born, they may be immediately checked by a neonatal doctor if required.
  • Partner Involvement: If you need general anesthesia and your baby is stable, your partner can cuddle and have skin-to-skin contact until you recover. If your baby requires treatment, your partner can join them once they're stable.
  • Closing the Wound: The operation's longest part is closing the different layers after your baby's birth. The entire procedure usually takes 40-50 minutes.
What to Expect After an Emergency C-Section
Immediate care after the C-section is crucial for your well-being and your baby's. Here's what you can expect:
  • Recovery Area: You'll be taken to a recovery area where skin-to-skin contact and feeding with your baby will be facilitated.
  • Postnatal Ward: Assistance with baby care and feeding will be provided. Taking it easy and managing pain relief are essential for your recovery.
  • Neonatal Unit: If your baby requires specialized care, you'll be taken to see them in a wheelchair. Your partner can video-call you during visits.
  • Rest and Nourishment: Take it slow, rest, and nourish your body with healthy foods. Allow yourself to be cared for and supported by loved ones.
Recovering After an Emergency C-Section
Recovering from an emergency C-section is a process that requires patience and self-care. Here are some ways to support your recovery:
  • Avoid Straining: Minimize moving and lifting. Keep essentials within reach and use cushions for comfort and support.
  • Healthy Diet: Eat nutrient-dense foods and enlist help with daily chores and childcare to focus on recovery.
  • Soothe and Heal: Use perineal sprays and bath salts to promote healing and relaxation.
  • Scar Massage: Once your wound heals, use a Super Scar Recovery Oil to improve the appearance of your scar through regular massage.
Embracing the Journey
An emergency C-section may not have been part of your birth plan, but with knowledge and preparation, you can navigate this journey with strength and confidence.
Remember, every step you take is a stride towards embracing the beautiful moments of motherhood!
All I Need to Know
Cesarean Births
1 min read
S
Sarah
21 Nov 2023

Hi I'm a second time mom I had a c section with my first. It was unplanned she was occiput positioned and I couldn't get her out. It was a traumatic experience and I don't know if I should try to give birth again. I have a high BMI and my doctors are unsupportive of delivering. What should I do?

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
O
Olivia
I would join the vbac link on fb and listen to there podcast. Even acog says vbac and vba2c are safe. I would also ask In a local mom group if they know of any vbac supportive providers in the area. Normally most midwife’s are :) getting a doula is also a good idea if you think you’ll need additional support. If you do decide to stay with your current provider you can still refuse a c section even if it’s against there policy they can’t force you to sign the paper to consent to it. Another way you could do it is not showing up to your scheduled c section, laboring at home for a while and just coming in in active labor. I had a c section due to a rare placenta abnormality with my first. My bmi is slightly high The first office I went to said they were vbac supportive but only if I went into labor before 39w naturally. And that at 39w they would schedule a c section. My new provider is 100% supportive and will let me go till 41 weeks before transferring me to there bigger hospital about an hr away for an induction since they don’t even do inductions on people who haven’t even had a c section. And if I needed a induction earlier for some reason they would transfer me for it. I highly recommend the vbac link community there’s so much good information and amazing vbac stories
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
C
Catherine
Well, first off, I'm 5'4 and 240 pounds. My first child was 13 years ago I had via c section. Then after her,I had three successful vbacs, one in 2014, one in 2016, and one this year in September. I had no complications with my first three pregnancies, but my last baby I had pre eclampsia, gestational diabetes, polyhydramnios and a couple other complications but still was going to try for my vbac. First two vbacs, I was induced at 39 weeks, was in labor less than 12 hours both times, and pushed my first vbac baby out in two pushes, my second baby I pushed maybe 5 minutes..... Both born healthy with Jaundice. First vbac was 8 lbs 5 ounces, second was 7 pounds 14 ounces. My third baby boy, where I had all these problems, I labored 36 hours, pushed maybe 10 minutes, no rips or tears, and had my 8 pound 14 ounces baby boy after being induced at 35 weeks with extremely high blood pressure/ preeclampsia. Three successful vbacs. I'm very proud and happy with the way my births went
27 Mar 2024

Answer

M
Maureen
25 Oct 2023

We welcomed Tiana Marie on 10/23/23 at 9:11 pm. She didn't come into this world without a fight though. Completely unplanned for C-Section. Lost a liter of blood due to a rip or a vessel and lots of healing time. Every second has been worth her existence that God graciously provided us both.

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
v
vonne
Congratulations she is so beautiful 🫂🥹
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Maureen
thank you so much❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer

K
Kati
18 Aug 2023

Layla has arrived via unplanned c-section but safe and healthy. 5lbs 11 oz and 19”long. She is perfect!

Childbirth Stages of labor
4 comments
A
Amber
💗💓💗
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Arnetia
Congratulations she's beautiful ❤️🎉
27 Mar 2024

Answer

A
Adrianna
26 Sep 2022

We welcomed our baby at 7:18 this morning ♥️. We were supposed to have a C-section on Tuesday but baby girl decided she didn't want to wait. 4 hours from the first contraction to welcoming her here. Completely unplanned natural unmedicated birth. She was gonna do things her way ♥️

Childbirth Stages of labor
4 comments
L
Lauren
Congratulations 💕
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
L
Lakendra
Congratulations
27 Mar 2024

Answer

Related articles

Hot topics

More questions from Moms