Your doctor has told you that you will need a Caesarean section to deliver your baby. Even though it may seem like no big deal these days to have a C-section, it is still abdominal surgery. Here are some insights into what you can expect to happen before, during and after the delivery.

A Caesarean delivery is one in which the baby is delivered through an abdominal incision instead of vaginally. This type of delivery may be warranted if the baby is not in the correct position, is too large to pass safely through the birth canal, or could experience fetal distress during a natural delivery. (In the event of an emergency, it is also an easier and safer way to deliver baby quickly.)

For a scheduled Caesarean section, you will be advised of what to do pre-operatively. Since it is surgery, you will not be allowed to eat or drink after a certain point, usually after midnight the night before.

An anesthesiologist will talk with you about what to expect as far as pain management is concerned. You will not be put to sleep so you can stay alert and talk to the doctor. You will probably be given a spinal block so that you don’t feel anything below the waist.

During the operation, you will be given an IV for delivery of pain medications. A mask across your face will deliver oxygen to help your body stay calm. Be sure to tell your anesthesiologist if you feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Your surgeon will prepare your abdomen for surgery. Betadine solution is used to remove as many germs from the surface of the skin as possible before the surgeon makes the incision. As you will be covered with drapes to keep the area as sterile as possible, you may have trouble seeing what is going on. A catheter is placed into your bladder to eliminate urine during the procedure.

Incisions are made either vertically, or horizontally low on the abdomen. The uterus is also incised to remove the baby. Once your baby is delivered, you may be able to hold it immediately.

The surgeon will then deliver the placenta and start closing your incision. Each layer is closed individually. Your wound will be dressed and you can be moved to a recovery care area for a couple of hours. Afterwards, you will be moved to a regular room in the hospital maternity area.

Your medication will allow you to rest comfortably. Ask your doctor if it all right to breastfeed your baby should you choose.

A typical hospital stay after Caesarean is about three to four days. You will be asked to walk and void during that time to be sure there are no complications before going home.

A Caesarean section is a surgical procedure and is treated as such. You will be given instructions on what to do after the surgery.