Pregnancy

Cesarean Birth

Cesarean birth is the birth of the baby through surgical incision (cuts) made in the abdomen and uterus.

Some Reasons for a Cesarean Birth:

• Multiple Pregnancy
• Failure of Labor to Progress
• Concern for the Baby
• Problems with the Placenta
• Previous Cesarean Birth

The Procedure:

• Anesthesia
• Anesthesia will be applied so that you do not feel pain during surgery.
• Delivery
• The surgeon, though your skin and the wall of the abdomen, makes an incision. The skin incision may be transverse (horizontal) or vertical, just above the pubic hairline. The muscles in the abdomen are moved and, in most cases, they don't need to be cut. Another incision will be made in the wall of the uterus. The incision in the wall of the uterus will also be either transverse of vertical.
• Complications
• Cesarean birth, like other major surgery, may involve risks. These problems occur in a small number of women and are usually easily treated.
• Post Delivery
• If you are awake for the surgery, you can probably hold your baby right away.
• You will be taken to a recovery room or directly to your room.
• Your blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate and abdomen will be checked regularly.
• A hospital stay after a cesarean birth is usually two to four days.
• After You Go Home
• It will take a few weeks for your abdomen to heal. To prevent infection, for a few weeks after cesarean birth, you should not place anything in your vagina or have sex.

Later Childbearing

• Fertility
• Health Problems

Exercise During Pregnancy

Benefits of Exercise - Becoming active and exercising for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week can benefit your health:

• Helps reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling.
• May help prevent or treat gestational diabetes.
• Increases your energy.
• Increases your posture.
• Promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance.
• Helps you sleep better.

Other Major Factors and Screenings That Contribute to a Healthy Pregnancy

• Nutrition During Pregnancy
• Basic Nutrients
• Extra Nutrients
• Folic Acid
• Routine Tests During Pregnancy
• Initial Lap Tests
• Blood Tests
• Blood Type and Antibody
• Screen
• Hematocrit and Hemoglobin
• Syphilis
• Rubella
• Hepatitis B Virus
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Urine Test
• Cervical Test
• Maternal Serum Screening Tests
• Alpha-Fetoprotein Test
• Ultrasound