The Babies Website

This is the name of the operation used to deliver the baby through the abdomen. An elective caesarean may be recommended for reasons such as a very low placenta, breech presentation etc. Alternatively an emergency caesarean may be recommended if either mother or baby condition indicates during the labour. Usually you would have an epidural anaesthetic when you would be awake for the operation. It is less common to have a general anaesthetic when you would be asleep for the operation. In both instances the procedure is the same, you will have a drip in your hand and a catheter inserted into your bladder. But in the case of emergency caesarean section the preparation will be more hurried and this can be frightening. It is good idea to talk to the midwife and/or doctor involved in your care so you fully understand what was done and why," debriefing".

Is a cut made between the entrance to the birth canal and the rectum. It is done just as the baby is born, either because you are likely to tear or because the baby needs to be delivered quickly because its showing signs of distress. A local anaesthetic can be injected into the site prior to the episiotomy to numb the area. Episiotomies are not a routine procedure and are only preformed if circumstances indicate.

It may be that you need help delivering your baby. This may be because of maternal exhaustion, fetal distress or it could be the baby is not in a difficult position to deliver and therefore need assistance. Ventouse/suction cup is as it suggests a cup applied to the baby’s head. Suction is then applied to the cup allowing the doctor to pull on the handle and deliver the baby. Babies delivered in this method may have a slightly swollen/bruised head for a day or two from the suction cup. Forceps are metal spoon like instruments which when applied to the baby’s head allow the doctor to deliver the baby quickly. The baby may have a forceps mark on its head for the first few days where the forceps where applied.