It is an operative procedure for delivering babies after 28 th week of gestation. The delivery is conducted by making a cut on the abdominal and uterine walls and the baby is removed.

Indications for LSCS:
- In conditions in which the vaginal delivery is not possible such as in obstructed outlet (narrowed opening), advanced cancer of cervix.
- In other conditions such as contracted pelvis, previous LSCS causing a scar and poor uterine contractions, fetal distress during labor, abnormal uterine contractions, improper position of the baby in the uterus, any other illness in the mother i.e. hypertension, heart disease in the mother.

Contraindications of Caesarean section :
- If the baby has already dies in the uterus.
- The baby is too premature to survive outside
>- Blood disorders in the mother leading to excessive bleeding during the operation.

Complications of Caesarean section:
- Excessive bleeding, shock, anesthetic complications, wound complications.
- Pelvic pain or backache.
- Wound scar and weakness of the wound & Risk of scar rupture in future pregnancy
- Intestinal obstructions due to adhesions and bands of the operation.

Post op care: Immediately after the patient is closely observed under medical supervision for at least 6-8 hours. Pulse, blood pressure, amount of vaginal bleeding is recorded. Intravenous fluids, painkillers and antibiotics are given. Baby is put to breast as soon as the general condition of the mother allows usually within 4 hours of the delivery. From the second day of operation, oral feeding in the form of liquids and semisolids are given to the mother and semi solid food is given from 3 rd day onwards. The abdominal skin stitches are removed on the 7th day. The patient is discharged once condition is stable.

Last created on 31-05-2004
Last updated on 18-11-2006