Fear Of Caesarean Section
Fear of a cesarean section is very common in pregnant women, especially those who are about to have a cesarean section for the first time. In general, however, this is due to a lack of information.
However, you should keep in mind that in some cases this surgical procedure can be the safest way to give birth, without endangering the health of the mother or the baby.
Why choose a cesarean section?
In most western countries, caesarean rates skyrocketed between the 1980s and 1990s.
In the Netherlands, the percentage of births by caesarean section is said to be slightly lower than in other countries, but an increasing trend has been observed in recent years.*
There were many possible causes for this, but one determining factor was fear of the pain associated with natural birth.
However, it is also important to mention that a cesarean section should not be the first default option. This is a surgical procedure developed for specific cases where a natural delivery would pose a risk to the life of the baby’s mother.
The body of a healthy woman is able to recover from a natural birth. While there is a lot of fear surrounding this experience, it is necessary to push that fear away from you.
To do that, keep in mind that if your body is in good health, there is no need to be afraid.
If your doctor discovers during a check-up that you are at risk for a difficult delivery, he or she may recommend a cesarean section. This procedure must have a certain sequence of steps to be successful.
How can you overcome your fear of a cesarean section?
People are naturally anxious. We are afraid of the things we don’t understand.
For a pregnant woman who has never been to an operating room, a cesarean section involves many uncertainties. It is very understandable that she is afraid and wants to avoid this experience.
The first thing to understand is that a cesarean section, like all surgical procedures, requires a lot of preparation. Not only does that mean you need an expert professional to guide the birth, but it’s an essential first step.
However, preparing for a cesarean section also requires commitment from an expectant mother and everyone around her. It is essential to provide a positive environment and the right conditions for good health for mother and baby.
It’s also important not to add the stress of frustration to the pressure that comes with a cesarean delivery. Many women feel sad or incapable of being able to give birth naturally.
This negative mood can affect their preparation and actually increase their fear of the procedure.
However, when a doctor tells you not to give birth naturally, he wants to protect both your life and that of the baby. In these cases, a cesarean section is vital to ensure a safe delivery.
Better perception of the caesarean section: before, during and after delivery
Knowledge is our best ally in the fight against any fears.
It is therefore necessary that you adopt a proactive attitude and look for information on this subject. You should also speak to your doctor about any questions you have. That way you will understand the situation better.
It is very important to resolve possible doubts with your doctor. This dispels any false beliefs or myths that prevent you from giving birth calmly and confidently.
1. Prepare for the operating room and cesarean section
- Before entering the operating room, you as a mother-to-be can take a walk through the hospital to prepare for the procedure. In some cases cesarean sections are urgent, but in most cases they are planned.
- Another advice is that it is best to start fasting between 5 and 6 hours before the surgery.
- It is also important that you do not drink anything for 2 hours before the procedure.
- You could also do something to distract yourself so you don’t get unnecessarily stressed. That can improve your mood. Keep a positive attitude!
2. Entering the Operating Room and Having the Caesarean Section
When you enter the operating room, the first part of the procedure is the anesthesia. It is applied with an epidural.
Such an epidural usually works quickly and numbs the lower part of your body. This anesthetic guarantees that the procedure is painless.
The birth itself usually proceeds very quickly. It takes between 10 and 15 minutes for the midwife to deliver the baby.
The longest part of the procedure consists of suturing the incision in the woman’s abdomen and uterus. This part of the procedure can take up to 60 minutes.
3. Recovering from Surgery After Birth
Every birth takes time to recover. If everything goes according to plan, the mother will remain in the hospital for 24-48 hours. Recovery will begin in the same hospital and she will be monitored for about 4 to 6 days.
However, most of her recovery takes place at home. It is of great importance to:
- avoid physical exertion
- to stay in a positive environment
- maintain a healthy diet
A cesarean delivery isn’t as difficult as you might think. It all comes down to a good mindset and trust in your doctor, yourself and those around you.
