At how many weeks can a caesarean section be performed? Expectant mothers must know

At how many weeks can a caesarean section be performed? It is the most concerned topic for every expectant mother who wants to have a caesarean section. In fact, the fetus is already mature at 37-40 weeks and can undergo a caesarean section, but the specific situation varies from person to person. Expectant mothers must consult a doctor before undergoing a caesarean section.

1. How many weeks can I have a caesarean section?

Many medical books say that the fetus is mature at 37-40 weeks and can be delivered by caesarean section. At 37 weeks, the fetus has completed its development. After 38 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is basically mature and can be delivered by caesarean section at an appropriate time. However, the specific situation varies from person to person. Before the operation, B-ultrasound, fetal heart monitoring, blood and other related examinations are required. The attending physician will decide the time of surgery based on the examination results and a comprehensive analysis of the clinical symptoms.

If you experience abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, or spotting before this, you must be admitted to the hospital to wait for delivery. You should have regular prenatal checkups during pregnancy to monitor the fetal condition in the uterus. If you have any abnormal fetal movement, you must seek medical attention promptly.

What is the cesarean section process like?

The cesarean section process is divided into four steps: anesthesia, cesarean section, delivery and suturing. The whole process takes about an hour.

1. Anesthesia

After the anesthetic has taken effect, your doctor will make an incision (usually a horizontal bikini-shaped incision) in your lower abdomen, just above the pubic hair line. If you are still awake, you can feel the “cut” sensation, but you won’t feel pain.

2. Cesarean section

At this time, a second incision (either vertical or horizontal) is made in your uterus. The amniotic sac is opened. If it has not ruptured, aspirate the fluid. You may hear gurgling or splashing sounds.

3. Delivery

The doctor usually removes the baby quietly, either manually or with forceps, while an assistant squeezes the woman's uterus. Because your baby's meninges are hard, you can feel him being pulled out. If you really want to see your baby being born, you can ask the doctor if the partition can be lowered slightly so that you can watch the birth process, but you still can't see it clearly enough. If the cord is long enough, you can ask your doctor to give you a quick peek. Then, the umbilical cord is quickly cut, and while your baby is being carefully cared for, the doctor removes your placenta.

4. Suture

The doctor will quickly examine your genitals and sew up the incisions. The uterine incision will be closed with absorbable sutures, which do not have to be removed later. The incision in the abdomen is usually closed with regular sutures.

Your doctor will give you a shot of oxytocin, which is injected into a muscle or vein. It helps the uterus contract and stops bleeding. Intravenous antibiotics can reduce the likelihood of infection.