Common C-section concerns

Most women have concerns about whether their baby would be alright and whether they may have done something which negatively affected their baby.

Dr Elizabeth van Wyk, gynaecologist, answers typical questions about caesarian sections.

Caesarian section

• Will I feel something?
  If a spinal anaesthetic or epidural is not effective, general anaesthetic will be necessary.
  
• Will I be incapacitated afterwards?
  You will have to spend the first day in bed but can move around from the second day.
  
• Will I be in pain afterwards?
  You will experience pain for one week afterwards.
  
• How long will I have to stay in hospital?
  Three to four days but complications could necessitate a longer stay.
  
• Will it affect my ability to bond with my child?
  Many women are concerned about this because the baby isn’t given to the mother straight away. (The baby is taken away for check-ups by a paediatrician). There is no evidence that this impacts negatively on bonding.

(Ilse Pauw, Health24)