What Happens During A Planned C-section Birth?
A date will be set by your doctor or midwife for a planned Cesarean. This date is set before your labor has a chance to start.
A Cesarean means a cut is made in the lower part of the abdomen through various layers of tissue and muscle to open the uterus and remove the baby. Because you have already had a previous Cesarean you have a scar. Sometimes there can be areas where the internal tissue has thickened and attached to other organs which need to be carefully separated to reach the uterus and the baby. Sometimes it can take the doctor more time to reach the baby.
A Cesarean is done using either an epidural or spinal anesthesia (when you are awake) or in rare cases a general anesthesia (where you are asleep).
You should discuss your preference for being awake or asleep with your doctor, midwife and anesthesiologist. It is generally safer to you and the baby to stay awake during the surgery.