What happens during a c-section?
When you have a c-section, your doctor makes an incision in your abdomen and uterus and removes the baby through it. The procedure is performed in an operating room.
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When would I need a c-section?
There are many reasons for your doctor to decide you can’t deliver vaginally. The most common of the conditions that may require a planned c-section are:
The baby is in a breech (bottom first) or transverse (sideways) position.
You’re carrying three or more babies.
The baby has a known fetal illness or abnormality.
Read more: C-Section
What is an External Cephalic Version (ECV)? Do I have to get it when my baby is breech?
If your baby is still breech (bottom down) at 37 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor can offer to do an External Cephalic Version. This is a way to get your baby into a head down position, by applying pressure to your abdomen. Your doctor can do this, or refer you to someone else, experienced in [...]
When and how can I find out the sex or gender of my baby?
The most common method to find out the sex of your baby is by ultrasound. The results of an ultrasound are most accurate when you’re between 18 and 22 weeks pregnant. It is done at the fetal anatomy survey in the second trimester.
Read more: Conceiving a Boy or a Girl
When should I be able to hear my baby’s heartbeat?
Starting at about 20 weeks pregnancy you could be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat. But, don’t let it scare you if you don’t. If you want to, use a stethoscope or Doppler amplification to make it easier on you. Place it, or your partners ear, against your lower belly. If you are overweight or [...]
What is an internal podalic version?
This means the doctor will reach inside the uterus, grabbing the baby’s feet, and extracting him as a breech. Usually when the baby lies with his feet through the cervix a c-section will be performed.
I’m pregnant with twins or multiples. Will my recovery differ from a regular recovery after giving birth?
If everything goes well, you can probably leave the hospital within two days after a vaginal birth, and within four days after a c-section. All new mothers can use lots of help recovering from birth and taking care of a new baby, but you’ll be even more exhausted if you’re taking care of twins. In [...]
I’m pregnant with twins or multipes. Will a c-section be different from a regular c-section?
If you’re having a cesarean for twins or more, it will be pretty much like any c-section, with some more medical assistance. There will also be a baby warmer, and resuscitation equipment, for each baby. And depending on the size and position of your babies, you may need a larger incision than usual.
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I’m pregnant with twins or multiples. Can I have a vaginal birth or will I have to deliver by c-section?
Whether you’re able to try for a vaginal birth depends a lot on how the babies are positioned in the uterus. In about 40% of twin pregnancies, both babies are head-down. If that’s the case you can probably try for a vaginal birth, as long as you’re at least 33 weeks when you go into [...]
I’m pregnant with twins or multiples. How will I know if they’re fraternal or identical?
Prenatal tests like chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis can tell you if you are expecting fraternal or identical twins. These tests are difficult to perform, and you may not be able to get the DNA of each baby. If you don’t want to have these tests, an ultrasound can tell you whether your babies are [...]
