What Happens During a C-Section

Whether your C-section happens unexpectedly or you've planned it, you may be anxious about the experience. Knowing what to expect may ease some of your worries.

During a C-section, the mother is put under anesthesia (usually a local anesthesia is used, either an epidural or a spinal block) and an incision is made in her lower abdomen. The incision is carried into the lower part of the uterus until the amniotic sac is reached. The incision enters the amniotic sac and the baby is delivered through a smile-like incision in the uterus. The umbilical cord is then clamped and the baby is handed to the awaiting pediatrician. Then the placenta is delivered and the doctor sews up the uterus and abdominal wall and skin. After the delivery, a catheter will always be placed in the bladder, which then stays there for the next 24 hours or so.