Abdominal delivery

Abdominal Delivery is a medical procedure, more commonly known as a Caesarean section, in which one or more babies are delivered through surgical incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus. This method of delivery is often performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby or mother at risk.

History

The term "Caesarean" has been believed to be derived from the surgical birth of Julius Caesar, however, this seems unlikely since his mother lived to hear of her son's invasion of Britain. The term may also be derived from the Latin word "caesus" (past participle of "caedere" meaning "to cut").

Procedure

The procedure for an abdominal delivery involves a horizontal or vertical incision in the lower abdomen, followed by a second incision in the uterus. Once the incisions are made, the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord is cut, and the placenta is removed. The uterus and abdomen are then closed with sutures.

Risks and Complications

While abdominal delivery is generally safe, it does carry a higher risk of complications than vaginal delivery. These can include infection, blood loss, and injury to other organs. There is also a longer recovery period for the mother.

Recovery

Recovery from an abdominal delivery can take several weeks. The mother is usually advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity. Pain medication and assistance with baby care and household tasks can help during this time.

See Also

• Childbirth
• Vaginal delivery
• Birth plan