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How is a Caesarean Section Performed?

A Caesarean section usually takes 30-45 minutes to perform. The procedure consists of a horizontal incision (cut) being made to your lower abdomen at the top of your pubic bone, often referred to as along your bikini line.

This allows another horizontal incision to be made in the wall of your womb to deliver your baby. The low incision avoids weakening the womb muscles unnecessarily and allows the operation to be performed in subsequent pregnancies, if necessary.

Your operation will be performed under a general, spinal or epiduralanaesthetic; the last two of which involve the injection of local anaesthetic into the fluid that surrounds your spine (dura mater). Local anaesthetics numb your body from the waist down and allow you to stay awake, but free of pain, during the procedure. In cases of an emergency a vertical abdominal and wombincision may be used.

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Once your baby has been delivered through the incision made into the womb, the placenta soon separates and is also removed. The wall of your womb is swabbed and closed with stitches that will later safely dissolve. Your abdominal wound is then closed in layers.

Caesarean Section

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