Cesarean Birth
What is Caesarean Birth?
cesarean birth, the baby is not delivered vaginally; It is the birth of the mother through surgical incisions made on the abdominal and uterine walls. This method can be a life-saving birth option when vaginal birth is not safe for the mother or baby.
Caesarean section can be performed as planned on a predetermined date, or it can be performed due to an emergency that develops during birth. While planned cesarean section is usually based on a predetermined medical reason during pregnancy follow-up, emergency cesarean section is performed when a situation that threatens the health of the mother or baby occurs during labor.
In Turkey, regulations have been made to reduce unnecessary cesarean section rates. With the regulation change dated April 19, 2025, it was stated that planned cesarean sections cannot be performed in medical centers; If a normal birth is desired, establishing a birth unit has become mandatory.
In Which Situations Is Caesarean Birth Preferred?
Cesarean birth is generally preferred in cases where vaginal birth is risky for the mother or baby. Decision; It is given taking into account the health condition of the mother, the position of the baby, the placement of the placenta, the progress of the birth and previous birth history.
Follow-up plan during pregnancy and birth; It should be created by evaluating the medical history of the expectant mother, the week of pregnancy, findings about the baby, and the conditions of the center where the birth will take place [1][2].
The main situations in which cesarean section may be preferred are:
- The baby is not in the appropriate position:A cesarean section may be required in cases such as breech presentation, side posture, or some positions that are not suitable for vaginal birth.
- Placenta previa:Vaginal birth may pose a risk of serious bleeding if the placenta covers the cervix.
- Lack of labor progress:If the cervix stops dilating or the baby does not progress down the birth canal, a cesarean section may be considered.
- Signs of distress in the baby:If the baby's heartbeat is impaired or there is a suspicion of oxygenation problems, an emergency cesarean section may be required.
- Multiple pregnancy:In cases of twin or multiple pregnancies, a cesarean section may be planned depending on the position of the babies and the course of the pregnancy.
- Previous cesarean birth:In some women who have had a previous cesarean section, a repeat cesarean section may be planned; In some suitable patients, vaginal birth after cesarean section may be considered.
- Serious health problems of the mother:In cases such as certain heart diseases, severe preeclampsia, uncontrolled medical problems or active genital herpes, a cesarean section may be preferred.
- The baby is big:Especially in the presence of diabetes, if the estimated weight of the baby is high, cesarean section may be considered.
The decision for caesarean section should always be made individually. The type of birth even in two expectant mothers with the same diagnosis; It may vary depending on the baby's condition, mother's examination findings and hospital conditions.
Article Summary
The issue of Cesarean Birth should be addressed by evaluating the person's complaints, examination findings and needs together. In this article, the basic points about Cesarean Delivery, the diagnosis-treatment process and things to consider are summarized.
What Will You Find in This Article?
- What is Caesarean Birth?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- In Which Situations Is Caesarean Delivery Preferred?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- How is Cesarean Birth Done?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- What are the Risks of Cesarean Birth?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
How is Cesarean Birth Done?
Caesarean section is performed under sterile operating room conditions. In most caesarean sections, the mother remains awake and is anesthetized from the waist down. For this purpose, spinal or epidural anesthesia is generally preferred. In some emergency situations or medical necessity, general anesthesia may be applied.
The decision on the method of birth is not based on a single criterion; It should be given taking into account the safety of the mother and baby, previous birth history and current examination findings [2][3].
The basic stages of cesarean birth are as follows:
- Preparation and anesthesia:The expectant mother's vascular access is established, blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels are monitored. Appropriate anesthesia method is applied.
- Skin incision:A horizontal incision is usually made close to the bikini line. In some special cases, a vertical incision may be required.
- Reaching the uterus:The abdominal layers are carefully passed and an incision is made in the uterine wall.
- Delivering the baby:The baby is removed from the womb, the umbilical cord is cut and evaluated by the neonatal team.
- Removing the placenta:The placenta is removed from the uterus and the inside of the uterus is checked.
- Sewing and closure:The uterus, abdominal layers and skin are closed with the appropriate technique.
The total duration of cesarean birth usually varies between 30-60 minutes. However, if there are previous surgeries, intra-abdominal adhesions, bleeding or emergencies, the procedure time may be longer.
What are the Risks of Cesarean Birth?
Although cesarean birth is a safe surgery, it carries some risks because it is a surgical procedure. These risks may occur both in the short term and in subsequent pregnancies.
Symptoms that occur during pregnancy do not always have the same meaning; In cases such as bleeding, severe pain, regular contractions or decreased baby movements, evaluation is required without delay [1][3].
Possible risks of cesarean birth include:
- Infection:Intrauterine, wound or urinary tract infection may develop.
- Bleeding:There may be more bleeding than expected during or after surgery.
- Blood clot:Clots in the leg veins or, rarely, clots in the lungs may occur.
- Adjacent organ injury:Rarely, injury to organs such as the bladder or bowel may occur.
- Wound problems:There may be opening, delayed healing or inflammation in the incision area.
- Risks related to anesthesia:Headache, low blood pressure, nausea, or rarely more serious anesthesia complications may occur.
- Breathing problems in the baby:Temporary respiratory distress may occur, especially in caesarean sections performed before labor begins.
- Risks of subsequent pregnancy:Problems related to placenta previa, placenta accreta spectrum and uterine scarring may increase in repeated cesareans.
These risks are not seen in every expectant mother. However, when deciding on a cesarean section, the risks of vaginal birth and the risks of a cesarean section should be evaluated together.
Who Can Have Cesarean Birth?
Caesarean section can be performed in cases where vaginal birth is risky for the mother or baby. The existence of a medical reason is evaluated by the gynecologist and obstetrician who monitors the pregnancy.
In the postpartum period, physical recovery, mental status, breastfeeding and infection findings should be monitored together [1].
Examples of situations where cesarean birth may be performed include:
- Placenta previa, or serious placenta placement problems
- The baby is in a position that is not suitable for breech, sideways or vaginal birth
- Developing signs of distress in the baby
- Labour's failure to progress
- Some multiple pregnancies
- History of previous cesarean section or hysterectomy
- The baby is large and vaginal birth is considered risky
- Serious heart disease in the mother, severe preeclampsia, or other medical problems affecting birth
Having a previous birth by cesarean section does not always mean a repeat cesarean section. In suitable patients, the option of vaginal birth after cesarean section can also be considered.
Who Cannot Have Cesarean Birth?
Caesarean section is a feasible surgical method in most cases; However, it may not be the first choice for every patient. In cases where vaginal birth is safe and possible, planning a cesarean section simply out of preference should be carefully considered.
Situations in which caesarean section should be carefully evaluated are as follows:
- severe clotting disorder
- Use of blood thinning medication
- Uncontrolled serious infection or severe systemic disease
- Suspicion of dense intra-abdominal adhesions due to previous surgeries
- High-risk situations in terms of anesthesia
- Request for planned cesarean section without medical justification
With the regulation change dated April 19, 2025 in Turkey, it has been regulated that planned caesarean section cannot be performed in medical centers. For this reason, when making a birth plan, the quality of the health institution, birth unit conditions and medical indication should be evaluated together.
Is There Bleeding After Cesarean Birth?
Vaginal bleeding after cesarean delivery is an expected situation. This bleeding is related to the recovery process of the uterus after birth.postpartum bleedingThat is, it is called lochia. It may be more intense in the first days, but over time its color lightens and its amount decreases.
However, in some cases, bleeding is not considered normal. A doctor should be consulted in case of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding heavy enough to fill a pad per hour
- Large clots
- foul-smelling discharge
- Fever, chills or severe abdominal pain
- Dizziness, faintness or palpitations
- Discharge, redness or swelling at the incision site
Post-cesarean bleeding should be monitored for both vaginal discharge and, rarely, internal bleeding. Therefore, postpartum blood pressure, pulse, uterine contraction and general condition checks are important.
Stages of Caesarean Birth
Caesarean section is a controlled operation that progresses through certain surgical stages. The anesthesia team, obstetrician, operating room team and neonatal team work together throughout the surgery to protect the health of mother and baby.
- Preparation and follow-up:The expectant mother's vascular access is established, necessary tests are checked, blood pressure and pulse are monitored.
- Anesthesia:Spinal or epidural anesthesia is applied. In emergency or special cases, general anesthesia may be preferred.
- Skin incision:A horizontal incision is usually made in the lower abdomen.
- Uterine incision:After the abdominal layers are passed, the uterine wall opens.
- Removing the baby:The baby is delivered and first checks are made.
- Removing the placenta:The placenta is removed and the uterus is checked.
- Making the stitches:The uterus, abdominal layers and skin are closed.
- Postoperative follow-up:The mother is monitored for bleeding, blood pressure, pain, and anesthesia effects.
How Long Does Cesarean Birth Take?
Caesarean section surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes. Delivery of the baby often occurs in the early part of the surgery; The remaining time is spent removing the placenta, checking the uterus and closing the layers.
Processing time; It may be prolonged depending on the number of previous cesarean sections, intra-abdominal adhesions, the baby's position, bleeding, emergencies or additional surgical requirements. While the process is more controlled in planned cesareans, preparation and intervention are done faster in emergency cesareans.
Is Pain Felt During Caesarean Section?
If spinal or epidural anesthesia is applied during cesarean section, the expectant mother will not feel pain. However, the sensation of touch, pulling, pressure or movement may be perceived. These sensations are different from pain and may occur frequently during surgery.
If anesthesia is felt to be insufficient, the anesthesia team intervenes with additional medications. In some emergency cases, general anesthesia may be preferred. The anesthesia method is determined according to the health condition of the mother, the urgency of the surgery and the evaluation of the anesthesiologist.
How Many Days Does Pain Last After Caesarean Section?
Pain after cesarean section is usually more noticeable in the first days. Pain may be felt, especially when standing up, coughing, contracting the uterus during breastfeeding, and getting up from bed. Pain is controlled with painkillers recommended by the doctor.
Pain usually subsides within the first week. Although the exact recovery time varies from person to person, it takes approximately 6 weeks for most mothers. During this period, heavy lifting, sudden movements and activities that will strain the incision area should be avoided.
Increasing pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, redness or swelling at the incision site may be signs of infection and require medical evaluation.
When will the stitch scars disappear after the procedure?
Post-cesarean stitch scars are usually located in the lower abdomen, close to the bikini line. It may appear red, pink or puffy in the first months; Over time, its color lightens and becomes fainter.
Appearance of the stitch scar; It depends on factors such as skin type, wound healing structure, whether infection develops, incision technique and sun protection. In most people, the scar diminishes significantly within 6 months to 1 year; but it may not disappear completely.
If there is redness, discharge, bad odor, opening or increasing pain in the wound area, a doctor's check is required. Scar reduction cream or silicone-based products should only be used with a doctor's recommendation.
Istanbul Cesarean Birth Prices 2026
Caesarean section prices in Istanbul in 2026; It may vary depending on the type of hospital, doctor's experience, scope of the birth package, anesthesia service, length of stay, newborn care services and additional medical needs.
However, when evaluating the price of cesarean delivery, not only the cost but also the operating room conditions of the center where the birth will take place, newborn support, blood bank access, emergency intervention opportunity, anesthesia team and postnatal follow-up process should also be taken into consideration.
According to the current regulation in Turkey, planned caesarean section cannot be performed in medical centers. For this reason, when planning a cesarean section, the compliance with the legislation and the medical necessity of the health institution where the procedure will be performed should be evaluated with a gynecologist and obstetrician.
Misconceptions About Cesarean Birth
There is a lot of misinformation about cesarean birth. This misinformation can influence the birth decision and cause unnecessary anxiety in the expectant mother.
"C-section is completely risk-free."
No. Caesarean section can be a safe surgery; However, it carries risks such as infection, bleeding, clots, wound site problems, and placenta problems in subsequent pregnancies.
"C-section is always easier than normal birth."
No. Cesarean section is a surgical operation and the recovery process may be longer than a vaginal birth.
"Anyone who has had a cesarean once must have a cesarean again."
No. In suitable patients, the option of vaginal birth after cesarean section can be considered.
"There is no vaginal bleeding after cesarean section."
No. Since the uterus is in the recovery process, postpartum bleeding is also observed after cesarean section.
"The baby does not experience any risks during the cesarean section."
No. Caesarean section is a safe method of birth when necessary; However, temporary respiratory distress may occur in the baby, especially in planned caesarean sections and those performed before labor begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caesarean section is the delivery of the baby through surgical incisions made on the mother's abdomen and uterine wall.
Cesarean section may be required in cases where the baby is not in the appropriate position, placenta previa, labor does not progress, fetal distress, some multiple pregnancies and serious health problems of the mother.
Caesarean section surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes. If there are previous surgeries, adhesions or emergencies, the period may be longer.
No pain is felt under spinal or epidural anesthesia. However, there may be a pulling, pressure or tactile sensation.
Pain is more evident in the first days. Return to daily activities is gradual and full recovery may take approximately 6 weeks for most people.
Yes. Postpartum bleeding also occurs after cesarean section. However, if there is heavy bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, fever or large clots, a doctor should be consulted.
Caesarean section can be safe and life-saving when necessary; However, it carries risks such as infection, bleeding, clots, wound site problems, and placenta problems in subsequent pregnancies.
Vaginal birth after cesarean section is possible in some suitable patients. However, the previous cesarean section, pregnancy status and emergency response facilities of the center where the birth will take place should be evaluated.
The cesarean section scar fades and becomes less noticeable over time; but it may not disappear completely. Scar appearance depends on skin structure and wound healing.
Price; It varies depending on the hospital, doctor, anesthesia, length of stay, neonatal services and additional medical needs. In addition, current regulations stating that planned cesarean sections cannot be performed in medical centers should be taken into account.