Something to Remember Greenslopes Maternity Your Journey 23 An emergency caesarean is recommended if: • there is concern for your baby’s wellbeing • your labour is not progressing • there are maternal complications, such as severe bleeding or severe pre-eclampsia • there is a life threatening emergency for you or your baby. What to expect if you need an emergency caesarean: • You may be in the operating theatre for more than one hour • Unless you are having a general anaesthetic, in most cases, your partner/support person can be with you in the operating theatre • Your midwife will stay with you in the operating theatre and will look after your baby in the theatre and recovery before taking you both back to the Maternity Ward • Your midwife will help you with breastfeeding • If your baby is unwell or needs to be monitored they will be transferred to the Special Care Nursery by the paediatrician After surgery a number of different pain relieving medications will be offered to you. A vaginal birth for the next pregnancy after a caesarean section is sometimes called a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) and is safe for many women. Talk to your doctor about your options. Episiotomy This is a cut made in the perineum (tissue between the vagina and the anus). Sometimes it is necessary to make the vaginal opening bigger, especially if you need a forceps birth or if the baby is distressed. It is usually done with a local anaesthetic. You will need stitches afterwards. The stitches will dissolve and you will be offered ice packs and pain relief to help reduce swelling and pain. Forceps birth Forceps are used to help the baby out of the vagina. They may be used if you are too exhausted to push, your baby is in an awkward position or when there are concerns for your baby’s wellbeing. Sometimes the forceps leave a mark on the baby’s cheeks, but these soon fade. You may need an episiotomy. Induction of labour Labour is said to be induced when drugs are used or your waters are broken to encourage the birth process to start. Approximately one quarter of women have an induction of labour. The most common reasons are: • the woman has particular health concerns (such as diabetes or high blood pressure) • there are concerns for your baby’s wellbeing • the pregnancy has gone more than 10 to 12 days beyond the due date • the waters have already broken, but the contractions of labour have not started naturally. Vacuum (ventouse) birth This is more commonly used instead of forceps. The vacuum cup is made of plastic. The cup is inserted into the vagina and creates a vacuum against the baby’s head. This lets your doctor gently pull the baby out. It may cause a raised bruise on the baby’s head, but this soon fades, usually within a day. You may need an episiotomy. A vaginal birth for the next pregnancy after a caesarean section is sometimes called a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) and is safe for many women. If you are in strong labour, your partner may park in one of the designated Maternity Emergency Drop Off car spaces, accessed via the Main Entrance to the Hospital via Gate 1 on Newdegate Street. These spaces will be clearly signed.
GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216
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