C-Section Delivery Guide — R.K. Hospital Bhopal

Overview

A Caesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus. It is performed when vaginal delivery poses risks to the mother or baby, or when complications arise during labour. At R.K. Hospital & Research Centre, our maternity team includes experienced gynaecologists Dr. Veena Pandey (DGO) and Dr. Pooja Bansal (MS), who are supported by skilled anaesthesiologists, neonatologists, and trained nursing staff. We are equipped with a modern labour room, fully functional operation theatre, and NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) backup to handle both planned and emergency C-sections. Our goal is a safe delivery for both mother and baby, with compassionate post-operative care that supports early bonding and breastfeeding.

Who Needs Caesarean Section (C-Section) Delivery?

• •Mothers whose baby is in a breech (bottom-first) or transverse (sideways) position that cannot be corrected before delivery
• •Women with placenta praevia (placenta covering the cervix) or other placental abnormalities
• •Mothers with medical conditions like severe pre-eclampsia, active genital herpes, or heart disease where labour is risky
• •Cases where labour is not progressing despite adequate contractions (prolonged or obstructed labour)
• •Emergency situations involving foetal distress (abnormal heart rate patterns indicating the baby needs to be delivered quickly)
• •Women with a previous C-section where vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is not advisable

How to Prepare

1. 1Pre-operative blood tests including haemoglobin, blood group and cross-match, blood sugar, and viral markers (HIV, HBsAg)
2. 2Ultrasound to confirm baby's position, estimated weight, placental location, and amniotic fluid level
3. 3Anaesthesia consultation — most C-sections are done under spinal anaesthesia so the mother is awake during delivery
4. 4Fast for 6–8 hours before a planned C-section; emergency cases are operated immediately regardless of fasting status
5. 5Arrange for a family member to stay with you in the hospital for 3–4 days to assist with the newborn

What Happens During the Procedure

1. 1Spinal anaesthesia is administered to numb the lower body; a screen is placed at chest level so the mother cannot see the surgical field
2. 2A horizontal incision (Pfannenstiel incision) of about 10–15 cm is made just above the pubic hairline — this heals as a discreet scar
3. 3The abdominal muscles are separated (not cut) and the peritoneum is opened to reach the uterus
4. 4A transverse incision is made in the lower segment of the uterus and the baby is gently delivered through the opening
5. 5The umbilical cord is clamped and cut; the baby is assessed and handed to the paediatrician or placed on the mother's chest for skin-to-skin contact
6. 6The placenta is removed, the uterus is sutured in layers, and the abdominal incision is closed with sutures or staples

Recovery & Aftercare

• ✓You will be monitored in the recovery room for 2–4 hours; early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding initiation are encouraged within the first hour
• ✓IV fluids and catheter remain for 12–24 hours; you can start drinking liquids once bowel sounds return
• ✓Gentle walking is encouraged within 12–24 hours to prevent blood clots and aid recovery
• ✓Hospital stay is typically 3–4 days; the abdominal wound dressing is checked daily and changed as needed
• ✓Avoid lifting anything heavier than the baby for 4–6 weeks; do not drive for 2–3 weeks until you can brake comfortably
• ✓The skin staples or sutures are removed at 7–10 days; complete healing of the uterine incision takes 6–8 weeks

Risks & Considerations

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. Your doctor will discuss these in detail during consultation.

• ⚠Wound infection or delayed healing — managed with antibiotics and proper wound care
• ⚠Excessive bleeding during or after surgery (postpartum haemorrhage) — blood products are kept ready for all deliveries
• ⚠Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) — prevented with early mobilisation and compression stockings
• ⚠Injury to the bladder or bowel — rare during routine C-sections but possible in repeat surgeries with adhesions
• ⚠Uterine adhesions that may complicate future pregnancies or surgeries
• ⚠Temporary breathing difficulty in the newborn (transient tachypnoea) which typically resolves within 24–48 hours

Cost in Bhopal

Frequently Asked Questions