My Body after a Cesarean Birth

A cesarean section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby when a vaginal delivery poses too much danger to the health of the baby or the mother. In the U.S. the number of cesarean section deliveries continues to rise each decade. In the 1970’s the rate of c-sections was 6%, in the 1980’s it had risen to 17% and by the 1990’s it had reached 23%. During the year 2005 the rate had reached an astounding 30% of births.

As more and more women are undergoing this procedure to deliver their baby they are also faced with their own body challenges after a cesarean birth. Research has shown that recovery from a vaginal birth is quicker and has fewer complications for the mother and baby.

The stress of delivery through the birth canal actually helps the baby to adjust to life outside the womb. The squeezing action through the canal helps to empty the lungs of any excess fluid and improve the lung function of the baby.

After a cesarean section the mother has a greater risk of infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, more post-partum pain and longer hospital stays. All of these factors are important in understanding your body after a cesarean birth.