How to Prepare Before a Cesarean Section?

Caesarean section surgery

In cases where vaginal birth cannot occur for various reasons, the process of delivering the baby through an incision made in the abdominal area is called a cesarean section. A cesarean section is a surgical operation. Under normal conditions, the operation can be completed in half an hour to forty-five minutes. In some cases, the operation can take up to 1 hour.

Preparations to be made before cesarean surgery

Preparation at home

• It is recommended that the abdomen and pubic (genital) area be cleaned with methods such as shaving or waxing 1 week before the cesarean section surgery. Cleaning these areas reduces the risk of infection in the area where there will be a wound after the surgery.

• Women with goiter, diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure should definitely take their medications to the hospital.

• The mother-to-be should prepare her delivery bag. If possible, she should prepare what she will take to the hospital and what will be in the delivery bag 1 week before the cesarean section.

• One day before the surgery, no other medication should be used other than those recommended by the doctor.

• It is also recommended that the expectant mother take a shower at home the night before the cesarean section surgery.

What are the preparations made in the hospital before a Caesarean section?

• A document will be provided to the expectant mother and her partner regarding the procedures to be performed from the moment the expectant mother enters the hospital. The expectant mother reads all the information and risks regarding the operation and signs the text.

• Before the operation, the area where the incision will be made is cleaned of hair, if necessary.

• If necessary, a physical examination and ultrasound are performed before starting the caesarean section.

• The operation tests begin and the anesthesiologist asks the expectant mother questions and decides what type of anesthesia will be administered.

• If the woman has problems such as heart, diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure, all examinations on this subject are performed.

What should be taken into consideration before cesarean surgery?

• If the time of the cesarean section is determined in advance, there are some points that the expectant mother should pay attention to. The expectant mother should not drink water or eat before the cesarean section. Only expectant mothers with goiter or high blood pressure are allowed to drink a few sips of water before the surgery.

• Before the surgery, the woman must remove any prohibited items such as necklaces, jewelry, and contact lenses from her body.