What Happens During a C-Section?
In a recent episode of the Healthful Woman podcast, “What happens during a C-section?”, podcast host Dr. Nathan Fox discussed C-sections with Katherine Ida Halper, an obstetrician/gynecologist at MFM Associates. During their discussion, they help patients understand what to expect during a C-section to help them feel more comfortable and prepared for labor.
About Dr. Halper
Dr. Halper completed her medical training at Ben-Gurion University in Israel and her residency at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. She joined MFM Associates in September and provides obstetric and gynecologic care in New York City.
About C-Section Deliveries
A C-section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the abdomen and uterus. Unlike many other surgeries, patients remain awake under regional anesthesia, such as an epidural or spinal block. This anesthesia prevents pain while allowing patients to stay awake during delivery. It is common to feel pressure or movement during the procedure, but not pain.
C-Section Pre-Operative Preparation
Before surgery, your medical team performs several tests to ensure your safety and to prepare for your surgery. These tests may include an ultrasound to assess the baby’s position, blood tests to determine your blood type and baseline levels, and a review of your medical and surgical history. At this time, you sign consent forms and can ask any questions about the procedure. Dr. Fox shared, “Ideally, before surgery, it’s intended to be a time that we’re trying to reduce anxiety, you know, to make people feel more relaxed. Going into surgery is obviously anxiety-provoking for everybody. That’s totally normal.” At this time, doctors also prepare, making sure any blood is ready in case of a transfusion and all equipment and staff needed are present.
Entering the Operating Room
When entering the operating room, patients are assisted onto the surgical table and prepared for anesthesia. If the C-section is planned, anesthesia is administered at this time. In emergencies, anesthesia is often already in place.
Partners or support persons typically wait outside during this initial preparation, as multiple healthcare providers organize instruments, connect monitors, and confirm sterile conditions. Before surgery begins, the team performs a standardized “timeout.” This safety protocol verifies surgical information and other vital details to ensure all team members are on the same page.
The C-Section Procedure
Once anesthesia is confirmed, the procedure begins. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen through layers of skin, fat, muscle, and the uterine wall. For first-time C-sections, this process usually takes between three and ten minutes. Patients with prior abdominal surgeries may require more time due to scar tissue.
During the delivery, it is normal to feel pressure or pulling sensations. The anesthesiologist monitors for nausea or dizziness and provides medication if needed. If you feel any nausea or have any questions, feel free to speak up. Once the uterus is reached, the baby is delivered, often within twenty seconds. When allowed, delayed cord clamping is performed before the baby is handed to the pediatric team for evaluation.
After the Baby Is Delivered
Following delivery, the placenta is removed, and the uterus is examined and closed with sutures. The remaining abdominal layers are then closed. Dr. Fox shares, “There have been studies looking at each individual layer, which ones matter, which ones don’t. And the short answer is nobody knows 100% any of these things. Everyone, you have to close the uterus. You have to close the fascia. You have to close the skin. All the other ones are sort of, I don’t want to say optional, but people disagree about them. We tend to close all of them, if we can.” The entire procedure generally lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. Surgeons typically close the incision with dissolvable stitches under the skin to reduce visible scarring.
C-Section Recovery
After surgery, patients are moved to a recovery area for around two hours of monitoring. Vital signs, pain, and bleeding are carefully observed during this period. Most patients remain in the hospital for two to three days following a routine C-section.
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about c-section delivery, listen to the full episode of the Healthful Woman podcast. For more information, contact Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates in New York by completing the online contact form.
Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!
