How to perform a cesarean section

If you are the type of person that wants to know all the details of your surgery, keep reading. Whether you are planning a vaginal or cesarean birth, or are just a person curious how we perform c-sections, I think this will be a helpful and fun read.

This post is meant to be for educational purposes only. Please do not try this at home.

Scalpel. Cut the skin.

The most common type of skin incision is called a Pfannenstiel incision, or a “bikini cut.” It is low, horizontal, and is meant to sit just below your bikini, or underwear, line.

Cut the fascia.

Separate the rectus muscle in the midline. This is done bluntly, with the surgeon’s fingers.

Cut the peritoneum.

Cut the uterus. Pull the incision incision apart to extend it.

Break the bag of water.

Get the baby's head (or feet) in your hand and pull it up and out gently through the incision, while your assistant pushes on top of the uterus to help push the baby out.

Wait 30-60 seconds (delayed cord clamping).

Cut the cord.

Hand the baby off to the baby doctors.

While holding on to the umbilical cord, guide the placenta out while massaging the uterus.

Start medications to help the uterus stop bleeding.

Take the uterus out of the abdomen (exteriorize).

Clean the inside of the uterus.

Start sewing the uterus. Fast. Two layers.

Clear off any blood or debris from inside the belly and around the uterus.

Make sure all the bleeding has stopped.

Check all the layers you cut into for bleeding.

Burn or suture all bleeding points.

Sew the fascia back together.

Sew the fat together.

Sew or staple the skin together.

Done.

If you would like me to describe any other OBGYN procedure, let me know in the comments below.

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