Dr Veerbeek – gynaecologist
What if things go differently? An artificial birth or a caesarean section.
Some deliveries require assistance. This can mean anything, of course, but we want to tell you more now about deliveries with a vacuum pump (also known as artificial delivery) or Caesarean section. This occurs with regularity and it makes sense to know more about it before you go into labour.
When a labour goes slightly differently than planned, it may be better to speed up the birth. For example, if the dilation and/or pushing phase is not progressing and labour is stagnating. Another reason may be that your baby needs to be born due to a reduction or changed pattern of the heartbeat. Care is then transferred to the hospital via your midwife. A heart monitor (CTG) is taken of the baby and a situation assessment is made by the clinical obstetrician, the physician assistant or the gynaecologist. An artificial delivery or caesarean section may be discussed with you so that the baby can be born as soon as possible.
An artificial birth is a vaginal birth where the obstetrician uses a vacuum to help the baby to be born. During a vacuum birth, a metal or plastic cup is placed on the baby’s head. You push during the contractions, and the baby is then pushed out. Are you having your first baby? If so, there is a 1 in 5 chance you will have a vacuum delivery.
You may also be advised to have a caesarean section. Before a caesarean section is performed, you, the expectant parents, will be consulted about the choice of caesarean section. A caesarean section is usually done with an epidural for pain relief. Very rarely, a general anaesthetic is used to deliver the baby. Caesarean sections occur in 1 in 10 births.
The baby is always examined by a paediatrician after an artificial birth (vacuum or caesarean). After the birth, the baby often stays in hospital with the parents for a while (e.g. 24 hours) for observation.
Recovery after a caesarean section is slower than after a vaginal birth. Be aware that you have had major abdominal surgery. It is important that you take time to recover both physically and mentally. This means getting help from those around you (think: shopping, healthy cooking, cleaning the bathroom, letting older children stay overnight). But it also means making time for yourself, writing down your birth story, sharing your story with those around you, and looking back at photos of your Caesarean if you feel the need. The hospital will give you tips on how to speed up your recovery. Have you noticed that exertion hurts or takes a lot of energy? Slow down!
– Ask for help with your baby’s first week.
– Do not do any housework during the first 2 weeks.
– Avoid heavy housework during the first 6 weeks.
– Don’t do any sports during the first 6 weeks.
– Do not drive a car if you have trouble concentrating or if you still have pain when you move.
After about 6 weeks, it may be a good idea to see a (pelvic) physiotherapist to help you with your recovery.
After a caesarean section, the hospital will arrange a follow-up appointment. This will focus on your recovery and how you feel about the birth. Together we will also look at how the operation will affect your future pregnancy.