Do you have C-section questions? Well we’ve got answers! Browse the questions below to get answers to some of the most common questions about a C-section! From the cost of a C-section to C-section recovery!
Q: What is a C-section?
A: A Cesarean section, commonly referred to as a C-section, is a surgical procedure in which incisions are made in a mother’s abdomen and uterus to deliver a baby or, in some rare cases, remove a deceased fetus.
Q: How much does a C-section cost?
A: The cost of a C-section with no complications can range between $14,000 USD to $25,000 USD for someone with no health insurance. The March of Dimes Foundation performed a study and found that the out-of-pocket cost for those with health insurance was an average of $523. The largest factors in determining the cost of a C-section delivery are geographic location and delivery and/or baby complications.
Q: What are the risks of a C-section?
A: C-sections are usually considered to be fairly safe, but it does come with some risks not associated with a traditional vaginal delivery. The most common risks for the mother after the surgery are infection, blood loss, blood clots in the legs or lungs, and bowel problems. For the infant, common risks include injury during the delivery and immature lungs or breathing problems if they’re delivered early.
Q: How can I prepare for a C-section?
A: Planning ahead goes a long way when getting ready for a C-section delivery. It is recommended that you plan ahead by getting people to help her with daily tasks such as grocery shopping, cleaning the house, or yard work. Once you find out that you’re pregnant, it is advised that you discontinue the use of alcohol and tobacco products immediately. By continuing the use of alcohol and tobacco products while pregnant it not only increases the time it takes to recover after the surgery, but it can also cause serious birth defects.
Q: What can I expect during a C-section?
A: During a C-section you can expect to be given a spinal anesthesia and in some cases a general anesthesia as well. The surgeon will make incisions in your abdominal tissue and muscle, and then in your uterus. Once the baby and placenta has been removed the health care team will suture your incisions. The length of the surgery usually takes about thirty minutes to an hour.
Q: What is the recovery time for a C-section?
A: It takes roughly six weeks for the C-section incisions to heal, and during this time you can expect some fatigue and mild discomfort. It is also recommended that during the recovery period you get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and avoid intercourse. If you experience any signs of infection, foul-smelling discharge, painful urination, or leg pain or swelling you should contact your physician immediately. It is also highly recommended that you contact your physician if you’re frequently feeling depressed, as this may be a sign of postpartum depression.
Q: What can I expect after a C-section?
A: After a C-section the mother can expect to stay in the hospital for 3-5 days. A full recovery will take between 4-6 weeks. You will feel pain after the surgery but it is recommended that you try to move around as much as your health care team recommends. By staying healthy, eating well, and regularly exercising after the surgery, you’ll help your body heal and the site of the incision will become less noticeable over time.
Q: What are the alternatives to a C-section?
A: It is recommended that you consult your physician for alternatives to having a C-section.