Cesarean delivery is the surgical delivery of a baby through an incision on the mom’s abdomen. This is usually the option if it is thought to be safer than vaginal delivery. There are 3 types of cesarean incision. These include
- low transverse or horizontal incision
- vertical or classical incision
- low vertical incision
Types of cesarean incisions
Low transverse or horizontal incision : This type also known as bikini cut is the most common type of cesarean incision. The incision extends across the pubic hair-line. It’s approximately 6 inches long.
- this type is usually used because it heals faster
- there is less bleeding
- there is a slight risk of uterine rapture in women who undergo this type of cesarean incision. However the risk increases significantly when the woman has had 3 cesarean deliveries.
- It also increases your chance for a vagina delivery in future pregnancies VBAC.
- it reduces the risk of post surgery complications
Vertical or classical incision : During this type of cesarean delivery , the cut is made from the navel to the pubic area.
- It’s usually reserved for complicated situations such as when the baby is in an abnormal position
- for abnormally positioned placentas such as placenta previa
- it is done when the baby is too small (usually less than 28 weeks of gestation)
- used during a medical emergency because it gives the doctor more room to deliver the baby and allows for faster delivery of the baby.
- it is usually done when the mother is carrying multiples because it allows more room for delivery
- the mother has the tendency to lose more blood with the classical incision.
- It also increases her risk for uterine rapture in subsequent pregnancies. For this reason subsequent pregnancies for a woman with the classical incision will have to be a cesarean delivery.
- it increases the chances of post surgery complications
Low vertical incision : This is done on rare occasions. It is done when problems with the uterus will not allow for another incision to be made.
Content Sources
C section. which part will surprise you. Healthline. http://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/cesarean-section-operation#Overview1. Accessed April 21, 2015
Cesarean delivery. John Hopkins Medicine. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/gynecology/cesarean_delivery_92,P07768/. Accessed April 21, 2015
Cesarean procedure. American Pregnancy Association. http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/cesarean-procedure/. Accessed April 21, 2015
Cesarean childbirth. Medicine.net. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cesarean_childbirth/page2_em.htm. Accessed April 21, 2015