Antibiotics Before a C Section
August 26, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
The American Congress of Obstericians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now say that "All women need antibiotics one hour before cesarean delivery"
The reason this has not been general practice to prevent the 10-40% post surgery infection rate for cesarean delivery (1-3% for vaginal birth), was the concern that the antibiotics that made it into the baby’s bloodstream from the mother would interfere with newborn lab tests or could lead to antibiotic-resistant infections.
The ACOG is now making this recommendation because “Based on the latest data, prophylactic antibiotics given to pregnant women before a cesarean significantly reduce maternal infection and do not appear to harm newborns,” Dr. William H. Barth, Jr., chair of the ACOG’s Committee on Obstetric Practice, said in a college news release.
Dr Barth went on to say None of the studies were large enough to say definitively that giving the mother the antibiotics before the cesarean incision does not appear to increase problems in the newborn, "but given the overall benefit to the mother, our committee – which included pediatricians – felt that this was the right thing to do”.
Instances when this new recommendation does not apply are when the patient is already receiving appropriate antibiotics. When it is not possible to begin administration within 60 minutes of the first incision – as with emergent c-section – prophylaxis should be administered as soon as possible.
Hopefully it will prove to be the case that there are no negative consequences for cesarean delivered babies and that the mothers will be advised to take probiotics as part of their c section recovery.
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Obesity And Cesarean Risk
August 18, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
A new and significant study suggests that the greater a womans weight when she checks in on delivery day, the likelier a cesarean delivery.
The study involved data from nearly 125,000 women who gave birth between 2002 and 2008. This data was carefully analyzed to determine how other factors than a woman’s body mass index (BMI) might alter c section risk, such as prior births or cesarean sections. Additionally they analyzed the circumstances surrounding each birth, as well as the delivery route.
The study found that for every unit increase in BMI, as measured on arrival for delivery, a woman’s risk of cesarean delivery rose by 4 percent.
It was also found that this risk changed depending on whether or not a woman had given birth before or had previously undergone a cesarean section. A one-unit increase in BMI raised the risk of cesarean 5 percent for a woman delivering her first child, 2 percent for women with children and prior cesarean, and 5 percent for women with children but without a prior cesarean
These variables remained after accounting for factors such as maternal age, race and cervical dilation at hospital admission.
For those who had a prior cesarean, the risk of having another was about double: more than half of laboring women with a BMI over 40 (considered morbidly obese).
Significant in the perceived need for repeat cesareans is concern that a vaginal birth will tear scars left by the earlier c section. However, a different study recently discovered that such uterine ruptures are not as common as previously thought. In fact they occur in less than one percent of vaginal births after cesarean.
Lead researcher Dr. Michelle Kominiarek of Indiana University warned that exactly how obesity contributes to cesarean risk still has not been well addressed, but that it is a factor of significance is clear.
C Section Deliveries At All-Time High in US
April 23, 2010 by · 1 Comment
C section deliveries now constitute a third of all birth in the US. This rising trend can also be seen in developing countries. Amnesty International have called the increase in cesarean sections a maternal health care crisis. The World Health Organization says that only 15% of c section births are actually necessary. Is the litigious nature of American society and doctors fear of lawsuits the reason for the extra 15%, or is it the profit driven model of US health care?
Or is it the expectant moms who want a c section to plan the birth date or for some other reason? Tell us what you think.
C Section on Live TV
February 10, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
Can you believe a c section delivery was done live on tv? Well it was and below is the video evidence. For those of you who are planning a cesarean delivery, or it’s looking like you might need one, this will give you a visual idea of what will happen in that operating room. Because it was for live tv the filming was done very discreetly and there are no shots of the incision at any time.
Personally I think it’s good to be as prepared as possible in every way possible so take a look, it’s a view as the mom on the table you won’t have, and will give you some idea of how a c section goes – apart from the actual surgery part of it.
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C Section Recovery Thank You Notes
January 15, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
The unsought inspiration for the Abdomend™ c section recovery belts was my own emergency cesarean. Starting and running the business of making and selling them has been more work than I ever imagined. Some of you probably know just what hard work it is to begin a business and then run it yourself, many times I feel completely overwhelmed.
So when I hear from women who have received grateful benefit from wearing the belts and following the recovery, it makes it worthwhile. Here’s one we received recently with a picture of Pia and her beautiful newborn baby.
It gives me so much satisfaction to hear from women like Pia, so please if you have benefited from our c section recovery products, I’d love to hear from you, it really does mean a lot to me.
"I cannot even begin to tell you how much the C-Section Recovery Belt has helped me recover from my c-section last month! I wore the belt during the last 2 months of my pregnancy as well and it helped so much in lessening back pain and soreness in my pelvic and tummy areas.
I wore it two days after my c-section and it made a HUGE difference in my recovery! The extra support that the belts provided was awesome. I was able to stand, walk, and get up from bed with a significantly less amount of pain and fear of ripping my stitches apart – which I really needed since I have a 3-year old to look after too. Plus, the material is soft, washable, and non-irritating so it was comfortable to wear it almost 24 hours a day. At 2 1/2 weeks post-partum, the belt was getting too big for me, despite washing it in hot water to shrink it down so I just moved on to the Hem-It-In Belt.
Thank you for coming up with this product… it really is the key to a better recovery from a c-section! Your belts do not disappoint and I will be recommending this to friends who will be giving birth!"
Pia Rivera
Vancouver, BC
Cesarean Birth & Infertility Risks
December 15, 2009 by · 1 Comment
A study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has shown that women giving birth for the first time, who have cesarean sections have fewer children and more difficulty conceiving than those who birthed by normal vaginal delivery or by assisted vaginal delivery (use of forceps or vacuum).
It was also found that cesarean section or assisted vaginal delivery leaves many mothers frightened about future childbirth. In addition a primary cesarean delivery and to some extent assisted vaginal delivery is associated with an increased risk of voluntary and involuntary infertility.
Cesarean section delivery was clearly associated with more women who had no further children after five years compared with normal delivery. There were also fewer women who had two or more further children over five years following cesarean section.
After a primary assisted vaginal delivery, women who had a second child were just as likely to have a third as those women who delivered their first child normally. This did not seem to be the case following a primary cesarean section.
In the cesarean section group 63.8% of women had subsequent children delivered by cesarean. This compares with 9.5% in the assisted delivery group and 3.9% of mothers who had a normal delivery.
Mothers who had their only child by cesarean section were more likely to have tried but not been successful in having further children than mothers who had normal deliveries. Also they were less likely to want to go through childbirth again than normal deliveries. This trend was similar for women who had vaginal instrumental deliveries but not to the same extent.
Conversely, women who had normal deliveries were more likely to report relationship problems as their reason for no further children, compared with cesarean section and instrumental deliveries.
Over five years following primary cesarean section there were 13% more mothers with no subsequent children compared with normal deliveries. Also, of women who had been delivered by cesarean section only 5% had two or more further children, compared with 12% following normal vaginal delivery and 11% following vaginal instrumental delivery.
Other studies have reported between 12% and 9% more mothers with no subsequent children following primary cesarean section compared with normal vaginal delivery. It seems clear that a primary cesarean delivery can affect family size by reducing future options for women.
Other studies have suggested that involuntary infertility is more common following cesarean section. The difference in fertility seemed to result largely from difficulties in having children after cesarean section, rather than lessened desire for children. In the cesarean section group 30% of women had tried, but had not been successful, in having another child. This compares with 28% in the vaginal instrumental group and 16% in the normal delivery group. Sub-fertility is greatest if there has been a post-operative pelvic abscess.
Results suggest that many women are frightened of having additional children, resulting in voluntary infertility, following cesarean and vaginal instrumental deliveries. Regional anaesthesia for delivery has been shown to reduce negative feelings following cesarean section. In many departments partners are allowed at the delivery when regional, as opposed to general, anaesthesia is used. Other studies have reported more positive feelings in couples where the father has been present at the delivery.
The statistics paint a clear picture of higher risk of both voluntary and involuntary infertility after a first child was delivered by cesarean. It is not a risk that your caregiver is likely to discuss with you when you talk through risks of cesarean birth, they may not even be aware that it is!
Video of C-Section Delivery
December 12, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
This is an animated depiction of a c-section delivery explaining the procedure. It’s useful as a visual piece of information. You can find many videos on youtube and elsewhere depicting actual c-section deliveries. Personally I think it is a private experience and I wonder if it was men on the table if there would be so many – but that’s just me. So you can see a video like that if you want to, but take a moment to think why you really want to – if you do. It’s hard for me to imagine how it will do you any good, visual imagery is very powerful, childbirth is kind of a vulnerable time. So please, be informed, know how to get the support you will need, but I suggest avoiding anything that will increase stress levels, especially if you know you will have a c-section delivery, or that there is even a chance of it.
Elective & Emergency C-Section
December 11, 2009 by · 1 Comment
There are basically two ways of arriving at a C-section birth. They are if it is planned or as an emergency.
Emergency C-section happens when a woman’s pregnancy or labor requires medical intervention, when she had planned a vaginal birth. These are common reasons why a woman might need an emergency C-section.
- The baby becomes distressed during labor. For example if the baby’s heart rate drops too low, or is too fast, an emergency C-section can be done to ensure the health of the baby. • If labor is either very hard or stops completely, many doctors will order an emergency C-section.
- If the mother has a genital herpes outbreak while in labor, a c-section is necessary because the infection can be deadly to the baby.
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In the event of a prolapsed cord (the umbilical cord coming out of the cervix), a C-section is performed immediately because the supply of oxygen to the baby can be cut off.
- The baby is just too big to deliver vaginally. • Other health concerns that may warrant an emergency C-section are low amniotic fluid, placental abruption (Placenta abruption is, separation of the placenta from the site of uterine implantation, before delivery of the baby.), and meconium (faeces from the baby) in the amniotic fluid.
There are a multitude of reasons for a planned c-section, these are five of the most common
• The baby is in a breech or transverse position, meaning the head is upwards, rather than downward near the cervix. If this is the case at around 38 weeks, and the baby seems unlikely to turn the doctor will schedule the surgery usually somewhere between 39-40 weeks.
• Multiple births. Twins can prove difficult to deliver vaginally and in such cases a C-section is chosen. Any more than twins from Triplets onwards will almost always be delivered by cesarean.
• If you have delivered before by c-section (particularly a classical c-section) some doctors don’t feel comfortable allowing you to deliver vaginally because your old scar on the uterus may tear (uterine rupture).
• Placenta prevail, which is when the placenta covers all or part of the cervix, making a vaginal delivery dangerous.
• The mother or the baby has a health condition that may make the stress of the vaginal birth a risky option.
Whether arriving at a cesarean delivery by way of choice or necessity, you will need support after the surgery. You need physical support to assist with the healing process, and to manage the pain. You can get physical binding support and self massage instruction from day one until total recovery in our deluxe C-Section Recovery Kit.
C-Section Delivery
December 10, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
A cesarean section, commonly shortened to C-section, is a birthing process in which doctors surgically remove the baby from of the womb. There is some evidence that this method of birth was practiced in ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, Persia and even some parts of Europe. It was initially used to deliver babies from mothers who died during childbirth, which was a far more common occurrence than it is today. The first recorded surgery where the mother survived occurred in 1500 in Switzerland with the first recoded in America in 1794.
With the development of modern surgery and anesthesia, the C-section process improved steadily and became much safer. There are now two types of C-section procedures: one performed by way of a classic incision and the other via what is called a Monroe-Kerr incision.
The classic C-section involves a larger, vertical incision down the lower abdomen. After this initial incision, doctors cut through the underlying layers of tissue accessing the uterus. Here a vertical cut is made, and the baby is removed. This vertical incision gave obstetricians plenty of access to remove the child. However it became apparent that this increased a mother’s risk for infection and left the uterus more at risk to rupturing in subsequent pregnancies.
The more recent Monroe-Kerr incision is smaller, horizontal and made near the bikini line. The doctor then cuts through the layers of body tissues to access the uterus. An incision is then made into the womb allowing amniotic fluid to be drained away because this makes more room in the uterus. Obstetricians can then deliver the baby, however because of the smaller incision they may need to use forceps or a vacuum.
Unfortunately, forceps and vacuum-assisted delivery can sometimes cause injuries to the baby. These can include bruising, lacerations, fractures, and in extremes, brain hemorrhaging.
After completing delivery of the baby the obstetrician takes the placenta out of the uterus, then closes the uterus with dissolvable stitches, and sutures the top incision with stitches or surgical staples that will be removed, a few days later.
The babies vital signs will be checked and things like suctioning is done. As long as there is no further care necessary for the baby, you will be able hold and nurse your newborn in the recovery room. To protect the incision this will likely be lying on your side because holding your baby can put pressure on your fresh incision. Wearing our C-Section Recovery Belt will protect your delicate incision as well giving you the ability to move with ease and comfort.
Abdominal Binding And Massage: Healing Secrets for Cesarean Birth Recovery
October 22, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
"Roll to your side and get out of bed." Dreaded words to hear for the C-Section mom or abdominal surgery patient. Without support around the abdomen, you can feel like your insides are going to fall out! You can be proactive in your recovery without doing anything more complicated than compressing the abdomen and massaging yourself.
Cesarean section birth is major abdominal surgery as they cut 6 layers. Surgeons no longer cut the muscles, but stretch the muscles open and cut layers around those muscles and organs in order to deliver the baby.
C Section recovery needs for women are very real and you deserve the best care so you can focus on baby, and heal without the additional burdens of fear and pain.
Vaginal birth mothers also need support to promote faster healing. The use of binding for post-partem mothers is common to many cultures and has a long and proven history of effectively speeding healing and recovery.
Binding of abdomen reduces pain & promotes faster healing. Abdominal cinding is as ancient as childbirth itself. When your pain level is decreased, you can take a deep breath and relax. Reducing your stress and pain levels makes it easier to move around and speeds healing. Reduce lower back pain and protect yourself while breastfeeding and handeling baby, simply by binding your abdomen.
For any type of childbirth, binding the abdomen supports your organs and helps you to get your shape back more quickly. Post surgery binding reduces pain and hold things together.
Why is compression so important during pregnancy, after abdominal surgery, cesarean section birth, or vaginal birth?
Compression helps to reduce swelling, stabilizes the skin,muscles and internal organs to shrink back. Basically compression presses tissue together, it makes the space in between the fibers smaller through pressure. Compression is done through binding, massage or holding of the area.
Some hospitals provide post surgery binders, but they are generally stiff and not very soft. When I had my emergency c sestion the hospital gave me… a bandage. Can you imagine, with an incision like the one above what it would feel like to wrap a bandage around your tummy over and over to create the effect of a cesarean binding belt?
It was from this experience that I decided other women deserved a better option and with the help and advice of the midwife I had hoped would birth my son and other women, the C Section Recovery Bikini Belt and Abdomend™ products were designed.
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