Before going to the maternity hospital, women prepare a special maternity bag. If a woman in labor is undergoing a planned cesarean section, the set of necessary items may differ from the set for a natural birth.

Each medical center has its own list of what to take with you to the maternity hospital for a caesarean section. The antenatal clinic, which kept records of the pregnancy, gives out a list of essentials.

In order not to worry about preparations at the last moment and not forget anything, it is better to take care of packing things in advance, since emergency hospitalization is possible.

Important! A bag with things can only be made of plastic; bags made of other materials will not be accepted in the maternity hospital!

Documents for the maternity hospital

The main thing that you need to take to the maternity hospital for a cesarean section is all the necessary documents so that there are no delays during registration.

If the woman in labor is alone:

• Passport – photocopy and original;
• Exchange card (issued at the thirtieth week of pregnancy);
• History of medical tests;
• Birth certificate – (for free childbirth);
• Agreement with the maternity hospital - for paid childbirth;
• Compulsory medical insurance policy;
• Referral for surgery;
• A certain amount of money, large bills, should be exchanged.

If a relative or husband will be present:

• Original and copy of the spouse's (relative's) passport;
• Results of blood tests and the absence of staphylococcus;
• Fresh results of an X-ray examination of the lungs.

Hygiene and cosmetics in the postpartum department

Some maternity hospitals provide the necessary minimum of things. But it’s difficult to say exactly what they can give out and it’s always more pleasant to use your own things rather than government-issued ones.

• Soft towel;
• Toilet paper (the maternity hospital does not always provide it);
• Paper napkins in a roll;
• Accessories for oral hygiene and washing;
• Baby soap in liquid form;
• Antiperspirant;
• Hairdryer, brush, hairpins (useful for removing annoying hair);
• Decorative cosmetics;
• Healing cream (the suture after a cesarean section will have to be treated regularly);
• Nipple cream for cracks;
• Wet wipes;
• Moisturizer suitable for skin type;
• Hygienic lipstick;
• Rubber shower slippers.

• A pack of disposable diapers 60 cm x 90 cm;
• Two packs of postpartum pads designed for heavy discharge;
• Bra pads that absorb milk.

Clothing and linen in the postpartum department

The list of things to take to the maternity hospital must include change of clothing that does not restrict movement after a cesarean section:

1. You will need a warm robe and several shirts. The robe should be comfortable, soft, not too long and tied at the waist, without a lot of buttons. It is better to bring a short nightgown that will not interfere with the examination.
2. For the prevention of thrombophlebitis Compression stockings are required for a caesarean section. They are recommended to be worn before surgery, but not all maternity hospitals use this practice. Therefore, you can take them in case the doctor confirms the need.
3. You should take care of special underwear necessary during the postpartum period. These are disposable panties, absorbent panties (but they will be allowed to be worn no earlier than one day after the operation) and underwear for breastfeeding.
4. A postpartum bandage wouldn't hurt either., which supports muscles and allows you to quickly return to shape after cesarean.

What to take for a newborn?

You should know what to take with you to the maternity hospital for your child before hospitalization. because preparing for the birth of a child includes the preliminary purchase of all necessary funds. Doctors in different medical institutions issue their lists.

The required minimum includes:

• Packaging of disposable diapers for newborns;
• There are two types of diapers - thin calico and thicker ones made of flannel or flannel, several pieces each;
• Children's clothing - bodysuits, rompers, caps;
• Children's socks and booties, several pairs;
• A bodysuit with closed arms or fabric mittens so that the newborn does not scratch himself;
• Small scissors;
• Baby cream and talc to avoid diaper rash and redness;
• Pacifier;
• Cotton swabs and sponges for hygiene procedures.

In addition to the above, you need to prepare clothes for the mother and child for discharge. A beautiful envelope is well suited for the baby, and it is better for the mother to choose beautiful, but loose clothes, so as not to disturb the seam after a caesarean section.

Other useful little things that you can take to the maternity hospital

• Take a video camera and a camera. This is not the most important thing to take for a caesarean section, but if you share the birth with your husband, he will be able to capture the most exciting moments. If the functions of a mobile phone allow it, then it can successfully replace them.
• Phone and charger. Before hospitalization, you should make sure that there is enough money in your account.
• For yourself, take an electronic or paper book, a couple of magazines and a tablet. Wi-Fi is now available in most healthcare facilities. The Internet will help pass the recovery time after a caesarean section.
• You will need light products, suitable as a snack for the first time. For example, fruits, chocolate, nuts, prunes. Nutritious meals in the maternity hospital are given the next day after surgery.
• After a caesarean section you will not be able to eat anything for at least 24 hours., only drinking is allowed. Be sure to take drinking water or weak sweet tea.

After a caesarean section in the maternity hospital, you may find that you forgot many important things. Be sure to make a personal list of what you need first and foremost, and on the eve of hospitalization, check that you have everything in your bag.

The birth of a child is an extraordinary miracle, no matter what path of birth he chooses! This truth is often questioned by opponents of cesarean sections.

Opponents of cesarean section convince mothers that the operation is harmful for the child, and that contact between mother and baby will take longer and will not be as fruitful as during natural childbirth. Let me disagree with this and try to understand everything related to this operation.

What is a caesarean section?

A Caesarean section is an abdominal operation to help the baby be born. This is a quick and painless birth, but it should only be carried out according to strict medical indications.

There are some mothers who are so frightened by the stories of “experienced” people about pain during contractions and pushing that they ask the doctor to perform a cesarean section on them without any indication. This is not worth doing. After all, nature came up with and thought through everything for us. And therefore the best way to give birth to a child is natural. Therefore, if there is no reason for surgery, you should not go for it.

There is another extreme, when mothers, at any cost, want to give birth themselves and sign a document refusing the operation. And you shouldn’t do this either, because not only your health is at stake, but also the life of your precious baby.

That is why it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons, and be sure to consult a doctor about which way is best for your child to be born. If the doctor recommends a cesarean section, you should not be afraid of it. You only need to think about the good, that soon you will hug your baby and be happy. Our article will help you prepare for this important event.

Indications for elective caesarean section.

There are a number of medical indications, long proven by both science and time, in which a cesarean section is the best and safest delivery for the health of both mother and baby. These include the following conditions.

The mother's narrow pelvis, especially in combination with the large size of the fetus, is usually a good reason for the doctor to prescribe surgery.

The same applies to incorrect positions of the child in the uterus. First of all, we are talking about the transverse position, as well as facial and frontal presentation. In such cases, the child is in a very unfavorable position for natural childbirth. Therefore, the less traumatic solution for both mother and baby is a cesarean section.

When assessing the condition of the child during pregnancy, doctors are sometimes faced with an increasing lack of oxygen. This situation is very dangerous, as it can lead to irreversible brain damage to the baby. In the later stages, I often resort to surgery in order to keep the baby healthy.

Indications for a cesarean section may include not only the health of the baby, but also the health of the mother. If a pregnant woman suffers from severe kidney or heart disease, diabetes, or has poor eyesight, the doctor will recommend that she deliver the baby promptly.

Placenta previa, especially complete, is a strong and undeniable indication for cesarean section. The fact is that in this case, the placenta blocks the opening of the internal pharynx, which begins to expand with the very first contractions. As a result, the placenta separates. The mother begins to bleed massively, and the baby may die from lack of oxygen. To avoid all this, the mother is closely monitored during pregnancy and a planned caesarean section is prescribed.

But according to statistics, much more often we do not have a planned operation at all, but an emergency caesarean section.

Indications for it are problems that arose during natural childbirth. These include premature placental abruption, the establishment of discrepancies between the mother’s pelvis and the size of the baby, prolapse of the umbilical cord and prolonged labor.

Anaesthesia

Generally, spinal anesthesia for caesarean section is now preferred. Its advantage is that the mother remains conscious throughout the entire operation. Therefore, he can see his baby, hear his first cry, and even put his baby to his chest for the first time, albeit for a short time. The disadvantage is the possible occurrence of severe headaches in the postoperative period.

Some clinics still prefer general anesthesia. But, firstly, in this case you will see the child only the next day or a few hours after the operation. And, secondly, coming to your senses and recovering from anesthesia in this case is much more unpleasant and difficult.

Postoperative suture

Modern mothers no longer need to be scared of stitches. If earlier during a cesarean section almost the entire abdomen was cut, now, as a rule, they are limited to a small incision at the very bottom of the abdomen. The seam after healing is almost invisible and does not spoil the appearance of a woman even on the beach.

Where after childbirth?

After surgery, you will be given an ice pack on your stomach and monitored in the intensive care unit. After the doctor makes sure that everything is fine with you, you will be transferred to a regular ward, usually with your child.

Apply to chest

As for breastfeeding, it should be done as quickly as possible. Firstly, lactation causes the uterus to contract. And, secondly, on the first day, colostrum, a useful substance, flows from the mother’s breast. It is not only very nutritious, it also contains immunoglobulins that protect the baby from all kinds of infections.

We recommend that you start pumping immediately. Of course, nowadays more and more often you can hear the opinions of authoritative people that this procedure is useless and unnecessary, they say, the presence of milk is regulated in accordance with the requirements of the baby. This is, of course, true, but only if lactation has already been established. In the meantime, mother and baby are getting used to each other’s needs, the body still needs to help and “decant” the breast, as the old midwives said.

About the contact

Many mothers are afraid that they will not be able to establish close emotional contact with their child. I would like to reassure you right away. This is wrong. Natural childbirth is not at all a guarantee of spiritual closeness between a mother and her baby. Everything is in your hands. Your baby has just been born and you are all he has, the closest and most necessary person. You have the power to give him love and warmth, to become the best mother for him. And, believe me, a caesarean section cannot in any way interfere with the development of this intimacy.

After surgery

After a successful cesarean section, mother and baby remain in the hospital for a week. During this time, mommy not only practices swaddling, feeding and expressing milk, but also learns to take care of herself after surgery. And the medical staff helps her with this.

It would be good to get support and help at home after discharge.

At home

Follow all the doctor's instructions and take all the medications he prescribed for you without delay.

If possible, try to lie down and rest more.

Be sure to support your stomach during sudden movements, sneezing, coughing and laughing. When sitting down and standing up, do not forget to lean on something reliable, and smoothly lower and raise your body.

Thus, very little time will pass and you will forget about all your unpleasant sensations associated with the operation. After all, now you have a Miracle - your long-awaited child! And it doesn’t matter at all how you gave birth to him, yourself or with the help of an operation, the main thing is that he will love you, and you will love him! After all, the happiness of motherhood does not depend on the conditions of the birth of the baby, it simply settles in your heart at the moment the baby is born!

Butuzova Olesya

We thank the magazine “Waiting for a Baby” for the material provided

This article talks about items that you need to take with you to the maternity hospital, depending on the situation.

Many women, upon learning that they are having a baby, immediately begin to think about the birth itself and about the items that they may need in the maternity hospital. It’s good if the collected bag is useful only before the onset of labor - at the first signs of labor.

What should I take to the maternity hospital for safekeeping?

Sometimes it happens that a woman during pregnancy has to go to the hospital for treatment or simply to undergo an examination. The pregnancy pathology department is not much different from a regular hospital department.

If hospitalization is an emergency, then the most important thing a pregnant woman should have with her is documents. Relatives will be able to bring all the missing items for further stay in the maternity hospital a little later.

In case of planned hospitalization of a pregnant woman, you can think about the list of things that she may need in the maternity hospital in advance.

Some hospitals have a list with a specific list of items that a pregnant woman can take with her. You should familiarize yourself with it in advance.

If there is no established list, then you should independently decide on a list of things that will help create comfortable conditions for the expectant mother in the maternity hospital.

Basic list of necessary things for the maternity hospital

• Documents - exchange card, medical policy, passport
• Personal hygiene items - toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, washcloth, shower gel, shampoo, hair balm if necessary, comb. You may also need cotton swabs, cotton pads, panty liners, a razor, and a hair dryer. Need toilet paper
• Cosmetics. For example, face cream. If you use decorative cosmetics, do not deny yourself the pleasure of being irresistible in the maternity hospital
• Diaper. It is advisable, but not necessary, to have disposable diapers - the diaper may get dirty. The diaper will be needed for examinations, ultrasound, CTG, etc.
• Footwear for being in the ward - washable slippers, rubber
• Robe. The gown will be convenient during examinations and diagnostic procedures.
• Day wear. A tracksuit or lounge suit is perfect. If necessary, you can use it to visit the dining room; it will also come in handy when meeting with visitors.
• Sleepwear. If such clothes are not provided in the maternity hospital, then you should definitely have a nightgown or pajamas with you
• Several sets of underwear. As a rule, in maternity hospitals it is forbidden to wash clothes and then hang them to dry
• Small and large towel
• Clothes for walking. If walking is allowed in your maternity hospital, then you should have comfortable change of shoes, daytime clothes intended for walking, outerwear in accordance with the time of year
• If necessary, you should have compression stockings and a bandage with you.
• Player, magazines, books, tablet if available, etc. All this will help brighten up your free time in the maternity hospital, and there is a lot of it there. If you are interested in knitting, embroidery, etc., then you should not forget to take everything you need with you
• Spoon, cup. As a rule, all the utensils are provided in maternity hospitals, but it is better to have a minimum set of them with you
• Food. If you wish, you can have yogurt, cookies, juice, etc. with you.
• Medicines - if you were prescribed by a doctor before being admitted to the pregnancy pathology department
• A mobile phone and a charger for it - you can’t live without communication these days

What is a woman in labor allowed to take with her to the maternity hospital?

The bag that you should take with you to the maternity hospital should be collected by approximately 37 weeks of pregnancy.

The most important thing that a future mother should take with her is documents. The documents must be the following:

• Exchange card
• Passport
• Medical policy
• Birth certificate
• Agreement with the maternity hospital, in case of paid childbirth

IMPORTANT: The documents that a woman in labor should have with her during admission to the maternity hospital must always be with her starting from the 37th week of pregnancy.

• For use in the prenatal department and directly during childbirth
• For use by mothers in the postpartum ward
• For a baby in the postpartum ward
• For discharge for mother and baby

We will talk in more detail about each list of things in the following sections.

What to take to the maternity hospital for childbirth?

When packing your bag for the maternity hospital, you should put your things so that they are easy to find later. It is advisable that things intended for the prenatal ward and childbirth be in a separate bag. You can also store children's things separately.

For the prenatal department and the birth itself, the mother in labor must have the following basic list of things:

• Washable slippers, flip-flops. You should not take shoes over your finger. A woman may need to quickly put on and take off her shoes, but such slippers will not allow her to do this quickly.
• Socks. Sometimes it happens that a woman in labor can walk barefoot on the floor; it can be cool in the prenatal ward
• Diaper for examinations, CTG and other manipulations. It's better if it's disposable
• Toilet paper. It will be useful after a cleansing enema, and possibly during the birth process itself. Also, toilet paper will come in handy after childbirth, so you should choose the softest one.
• Baby soap. After the cleansing enema you will be able to take a shower
• Towel. Preferably small so that it does not take up much space. As a rule, it is forbidden to bring many things into the maternity ward
• It is better to have a disposable crotch shaving machine with you. If a woman in labor has not prepared herself at home, she will be shaved with hospital machines.
• Drinking water bottle. Up to 1 liter will be enough. During childbirth, drinking water is prohibited, however, no one prohibits rinsing your mouth between contractions
• Chapstick or lip balm. During childbirth, due to rapid breathing and loss of fluid from the body, the mother's lips become very dry and crack. Lipstick and balm will help you cope with this
• Mobile phone and charger for it. If you are not giving birth in a separate room, you should definitely turn off the sound so as not to disturb other women in labor. Also, a constantly ringing phone can annoy medical staff.

• If necessary, you should have compression stockings or elastic bandages with you. If a woman giving birth has varicose veins, then she simply needs to give birth in such stockings
• You can also take some mint chewing gum with you to use between contractions. It will help cope with dry mouth and relieve some nervous tension.
• As for the shirt and robe, most likely they will offer you them on the spot. However, if you want to use your own, then you should clarify this question a little earlier directly in the maternity hospital itself
• If the birth is a partnership, then the list of things for the partner must be clarified in the maternity hospital itself

The things you will need after you are transferred from the maternity ward to the ward are as follows:

• Personal hygiene products - toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, washcloth, shampoo, hair conditioner, hair dryer, unscented deodorant. It is advisable if all detergents are in small containers and without a strong odor. I would like to note that ordinary laundry soap dries very well the places where external seams are applied, if any.
• I would also like to mention the comb and hair tie. It is better if the hair is collected - it will not interfere with your manipulations with the newborn
• Face and hand cream
• A nail file and nail scissors will always come in handy. A mother should not be allowed to injure her newborn’s delicate skin with her nails.
• Gaskets. These will be discussed in more detail in the section below.
• Several diapers. It is advisable if the diapers are disposable. If they get dirty, you can simply throw them away. It should be noted that some maternity hospitals still provide diapers and pads
• Shower towel
• Hand and face towel. A woman will have to wash her hands frequently before handling her baby.
• A product for the prevention and treatment of cracked nipples. In pharmacies you can find a huge number of such products. There are also products that do not require washing your breasts before feeding.
• Postpartum bandage. Immediately the skin on the abdomen will be very stretched. For a more comfortable feeling, in the first days the mother can use a regular diaper instead of a bandage. The diaper should be folded into a triangle and the widest part should be tied around the stomach, tied at the back or on the side. It is better to do this manipulation while lying down
• Notepad and pen. They will be needed if you need to write down the doctor’s recommendations or advice from other mothers.
• Dishes. You should clarify this issue with the maternity hospital in advance. You will most likely need a cup and spoon
• It's worth having several bags with you. They come in handy for trash and dirty clothes.

You can also take with you pain-relieving suppositories against hemorrhoids and anal fissures. After childbirth, pain in the anus often occurs after suffering tension and pressure on the pelvic floor. Relatives can then bring candles, if necessary.

You can take your tablet, books, magazines, knitting, embroidery, etc. with you. It’s not a fact that they will be useful, so you shouldn’t take them with you in large quantities.

It is worth collecting the package separately for checkout. You can leave him at home, and his relatives will drop him off to you just before discharge. The following should be included in the package:

• Clothes for mom according to the season. The main thing is that it is not tight, because... after childbirth, the hips will expand and the breasts will increase in size due to the incoming milk
• Seasonal clothing for the baby, an envelope for discharge. Instead of an envelope, you can use a regular blanket or blanket
• A small gift for medical staff. This has been the case for a long time, but it is not an obligation.

I would like to note that a woman should not forget about cosmetics, if she uses them. You will be required to take photographs. You can take cosmetics with you in advance, or you can ask your relatives to bring them.

It will be better if the pregnant woman folds the discharge bag herself. Sometimes it happens that relatives, in their joy, forget to put, for example, cosmetics or a dress.

What to take with you to the maternity hospital for a caesarean section?

The set of things for delivery by cesarean section is not much different from natural birth.

It is only worth mentioning that recently in maternity hospitals during a caesarean section they are increasingly asking the woman in labor to carry elastic bandages with her to bandage her legs during childbirth. You can use compression stockings instead of bandages. Pharmacies sell special compression stockings for childbirth.

It should be noted that women in labor with varicose veins should definitely give birth in compression stockings or use elastic bandages.

IMPORTANT: If a woman in labor cannot cope with putting on compression stockings or wrapping her legs with elastic bandages, she can use the help of medical staff.

A woman after a caesarean section will definitely need a post-operative bandage. You shouldn’t buy it in advance; it’s better to let your relatives do it on the first day after giving birth. To choose the correct bandage size, you should measure your waist immediately after childbirth.

I would like to say a few words about food. The night before the operation, the woman in labor can only drink a glass of yogurt for dinner. And on the first day after the operation, she can only drink water. Therefore, a woman with a planned caesarean section should take yogurt and a considerable amount of water with her. It is advisable to purchase water bottles with a “sports” neck so that you can drink while lying down.

What clothes to take to the maternity hospital?

For clothes, mommy should have with her:

• Robe. The gown can also be issued at the maternity hospital. Check this question in advance
• Nightgown. The shirt can also be issued at the maternity hospital. However, you can use your own. The main rule is that it should be easily adjusted, or the strap should be easily removed for convenient feeding of the baby.
• Bra for breastfeeding. It is better if there are several of them, because... Laundry is prohibited in hospitals, but linen must be changed. The bra should be chosen from natural fabrics, buy a size larger
• Disposable mesh panties. They can be found at any pharmacy. However, mesh panties can be replaced with regular cotton panties. The main thing is to take a size larger so that they do not rub or squeeze the already damaged body.
• Socks. It may be cold in the room

You may need something else from clothes, but you can ask your relatives to bring this a little later.

What kind of food should I take to the maternity hospital?

If you are in the maternity hospital for care or undergoing an examination, then you can easily take yogurt, fruits, dried fruits, nuts, cookies, and drinks with you.

But with products that a woman in labor can take with her, things are much more complicated. First of all, the expectant mother should think about the health of her baby. It is necessary to exclude products that can cause allergies in the newborn.

You can completely abandon the idea of ​​taking food with you to the maternity hospital. But, it is also necessary to take into account the opening hours of the canteen in the maternity hospital.

Sometimes a situation arises when a woman gives birth, for example, at 21.00, and at this time the canteen has not been open for a long time. Immediately after giving birth, you really want to eat. In this regard, you should take with you a minimum set of low-allergenic snack foods:

• Cookie

It is important to consider that after childbirth, in the first few days, the woman in labor should limit her fluid intake, then the nursing mother will be able to more easily tolerate the arrival of milk.

What pads should I take with me to the maternity hospital?

Currently, there is a huge selection of gaskets. However, after giving birth, you need to choose one of:

• Special postpartum pads
• Urological pads
• Regular, but not ultra-thin, night pads with a large number of drops, for example 5-6

The intensity of postpartum discharge depends on:

• Features of the body
• Type of delivery - spontaneous or operative

After a Caesarean section birth, there is usually less discharge. But during childbirth through the natural birth canal, the discharge is much more abundant.

For the first time, it will be enough to have 10-20 pieces with you. If necessary, relatives will give you a ride later.

You should definitely take into account the fact that in some maternity hospitals it is still prohibited to use pads - pads are used. This is necessary for the doctor - this makes it easier for him to observe the discharge and how the sutures heal, if any. This issue needs to be clarified in advance.

What should you take to the maternity hospital for your child?

And now about the best part. For your child, you should take the following with you:

• 2 cotton diapers
• 2 flannel diapers
• 2 caps
• 2-3 sliders
• 2-3 bodysuits
• 2-3 blouses
• Booties or socks
• Mittens for newborns - “scratchies” will help protect your baby from his own sharp nails
• Diapers
• Baby soap. Preferably liquid - it will be more hygienic in the general ward
• Diaper cream or powder
• Moisturizer
• Wet wipes. Use napkins only when absolutely necessary. They can injure delicate baby skin
• A soft towel or diaper. They will come in handy when you need to wash your child after using the toilet.
• You may need baby nail scissors - sometimes babies are born with very long nails
• In some maternity hospitals you need to take a baby blanket with you. Check this question in advance

Clothes for your baby should be chosen according to the season. There is no need to take your newborn's entire wardrobe with you to the maternity hospital. Relatives can bring things as needed.

Clothes for your baby should be made of natural fabric, preferably with the seams facing out or hidden seams.

What diapers are best to take to the maternity hospital for a child?

The choice of diapers for a newborn should be approached with special responsibility.

It is difficult to predict what weight your baby will be born with. The actual weight does not always coincide with the weight discussed at the last ultrasound.

To avoid incidents, it is better to take size 2. Size 2 is designed for a baby 3-6 kg. If necessary, you can replace them with a smaller size in the future.

No need to buy a large pack of diapers:

• Firstly, for the maternity hospital you will need no more than 10 pieces
• Secondly, some diapers tend to cause allergies in a newborn. If you buy a large package, you might just be wasting your money.

When choosing diapers for your baby, remember that they should be as comfortable as possible for your child:

• Choose thin diapers - at first he will go to the toilet just a little bit at a time
• Choose soft diapers. The main thing is that they are pleasant to the body and do not rub

What a mother and child need in a maternity hospital: advice and reviews

The list of things, according to reviews from women who gave birth, basically comes down to the list discussed above.

However, the following advice is available:

• Do not disdain the shirts and gowns that are issued in the maternity hospital. They may not look very presentable, but they are definitely sterile. Shirts get dirty very quickly, not every relative will be able to bring clean clothes at the first call
• There is no need to buy silicone pads in advance - they are expensive
• There is no need to take a breast pump with you - it may not be useful either. If necessary, relatives will bring
• Mom can safely use baby cream instead of hand cream - saving space in her bag
• Compression stockings are much more comfortable than elastic bandages
• Breast pads are not useful to everyone - there is no need to take them right away
• Instead of mother's soap and shower gel, you can use baby soap. It’s better to take liquid with a dispenser - convenient and hygienic
• You may come across recommendations that you need to take a bar of dark chocolate with you for your mother after giving birth. Chocolate is a strong allergen. Don't risk your baby's health

As the birth approaches, the woman begins to worry more and more about whether she has planned for everything. Don’t give in to emotions - the above lists of things will help you better navigate and not forget anything.

VIDEO: Bags to the maternity hospital! The most necessary things!

• Mom, how are babies born?” asks four-year-old Nastya.
• “The uncle cuts the belly, takes out the baby doll and that’s it,” the mother answers, deciding not to initiate her young daughter into all the intricacies of a real birth. But there is still some truth in her story, because a huge number of babies on the planet were born this way - through a caesarean section.

Why does a woman have a caesarean section? Firstly, there are cases when this is required by conditions that have arisen spontaneously, related to the health of the mother or baby, or some emergency situations. Secondly, there are planned operations, the need for which women know long before giving birth. We will talk about them in this article.

How should you prepare for a planned caesarean section?

First of all, morally. A woman should, throwing away all emotions and worries, calm down and tune in only to the best. You need to trust your doctor (after all, for him, unlike the patient, this is not the first, but a “new” operation) and rejoice in the fact that very soon the long-awaited baby will be snoring sweetly next to you. If, nevertheless, the worries are very strong, you should talk to your husband, girlfriend, or even a psychologist.

When the date of the operation is very close, 1-2 weeks in advance, the expectant mother, having collected everything she needs, goes to the maternity hospital. This is necessary in order to thoroughly conduct examinations to assess the condition of the fetus (ultrasound and cardiotocography), as well as the mother (blood and urine tests, degree of vaginal cleanliness (smear test)). In addition, even if a woman has already done similar tests, her blood will still be taken to determine her blood type and Rh factor. If doctors find any abnormalities, the woman will be treated with medication.

The doctor will also set the exact date of the operation. As a rule, this day is chosen as close as possible to the expected date of birth, taking into account the condition of the woman and the fetus, as well as the wishes of the expectant mother.

Sometimes, if nothing interferes and the condition of both the mother and the child is satisfactory, so as not to be in the maternity hospital for a long time, the examination can be completed before hospitalization, and the hospital can be admitted the day before the planned cesarean section or even directly on the day of the operation.

What happens on the day of a planned caesarean section?

As a rule, such operations are carried out in the morning. Less often - during the day. Therefore, in the evening, a woman should take a shower and, if necessary, shave her pubic hair. The food a woman takes for dinner should be light. You can't eat at all in the morning. In the hospital, the nurse will help you, as before any abdominal surgery, to cleanse the intestines.

After this, an anesthesiologist will have a conversation with the woman, who will talk about what and how will happen to her during the operation in terms of pain relief. Most likely, this will be spinal anesthesia, that is, when the operation is performed while the woman is conscious. But, if there are any contraindications, the patient will be offered general anesthesia. Consent to the operation and a certain type of anesthesia is recorded in writing.

How is a planned caesarean section performed?

Before entering the operating room, the woman is given shoe covers and a cap, and is also asked to put on elastic bandages. The latter are necessary to protect a woman from developing thrombosis. A woman lies naked on the table. First, the anesthesiologist administers the drug, then the medical staff inserts an IV and connects a machine to measure blood pressure. A catheter is also installed to drain urine. When all this is ready, the place where the incision will be made is treated with an antiseptic drug.

Since a screen is placed between the woman’s face and the operation site, next to her, if the woman is conscious, there may be a loved one: husband, mother, friend. True, this practice is not allowed in all maternity hospitals, so the possibility of having a “support group” present at such births must be clarified in advance.

The procedure for removing the child itself lasts no more than 10 minutes. This time is enough to cut the abdominal wall and uterus, remove the baby and cut the umbilical cord. Then the “cleaning” begins. The doctor separates the placenta, examines the uterine cavity and stitches it up. Then he goes to the abdominal wall. This seam is processed and a bandage is applied. On top is an ice pack. This will reduce bleeding and stimulate uterine contractions. At this point the operation ends, and the new mother is transferred to the intensive care unit.

Postoperative period

In the intensive care ward, the woman is under the close attention of doctors. In order to quickly return to normal and avoid various complications, she is administered various drugs. First of all, these are antibiotics and various painkillers. The latter begin to be administered as soon as the anesthesia wears off. To normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as better contraction of the muscle tissue of the uterus, the necessary medications are also given. And to replenish fluid loss, saline solution is injected into the new mother’s body. At first, a woman may feel pain in the lower abdomen, general weakness, and dizziness. Chills and increased thirst are possible.

In the first 6-8 hours, the patient is not allowed to not only get up, but even sit down. After this time, with the help of relatives or medical staff, you can sit up in bed. not particularly chic. At first, on the first day, you can only drink water. Already during the second meal, you can pamper yourself with low-fat chicken broth (the first water is drained during cooking) and liquid porridge (oatmeal is especially suitable). So-called “normal” food can be consumed from the third week, but for now you need to love dietary food.

A day later, the woman is transferred from the intensive care ward to the postpartum ward. There she is with the baby. If there are no complications, the mother can easily cope with simple tasks: feeding the baby, washing him, changing him. But, even if you feel good, you still shouldn’t overwork.

Approximately 2-3 days after the planned one, pain relief is stopped. But the seam area is thoroughly treated with a disinfectant solution every day. Sometimes a woman begins to have intestinal problems. In such cases, the doctor will prescribe laxatives. This can be either a regular enema or glycerin suppositories. After 4-6 days, the woman needs to undergo blood and urine tests, undergo an ultrasound scan of the scar, uterus, as well as appendages and adjacent organs. The gynecologist will conduct an external examination to make sure everything is in order. If the health workers have no complaints about the health of the mother and baby, they will be discharged home approximately.

Woman's behavior at home after PCS

While at home, such a woman especially needs help, because she is simply contraindicated to do a lot of work. You especially need to think about an assistant if there is already a child in the family. If the eldest is 2-3 years old, he will demand his mother’s attention and care with extreme persistence. A woman should try to pay attention to her first child, avoiding picking him up. It is especially contraindicated to be nervous.

When switching to a more familiar diet, you still need to monitor your diet. In this regard, you should consult not only your doctor, but also your pediatrician.

After a planned caesarean section, you can shower after 1-2 weeks. But a bath (not a hot one!) - only after 1.5 months.

It is necessary to explain to the husband that, for at least 2 months, the woman is contraindicated in heavy physical activity and sexual intercourse. Last but not least, you need to think about contraception. The next pregnancy can be planned no earlier than in 2 years.

Especially for Olga Rizak

From Guest

Hello everyone, my first caesarean section was an emergency, although I was preparing to give birth, I went through contractions myself, then the doctor came, looked at the chair and said urgently to the operating table - the umbilical loops had prolapsed, they held it for me with their hands, the operation went quickly, the anesthesia was good, but the postoperative period was difficult, it was difficult for everything to heal ....then 2 years later I had a planned cesarean section due to the fact that the speed was small between the first and second... unlike the first, everything healed quickly and very well... and now another 4 years have passed, now I’m waiting for the 3rd I think the baby will also have a planned cesarean section... but of course it’s better to give birth yourself, especially if you don’t have any complications...))))

If the doctor leading the pregnancy finds serious abnormalities in the woman or the unborn child, he may decide to perform a planned caesarean section. When the operation is scheduled in advance, the patient has the opportunity to properly prepare for it, including psychologically.

Who should have a planned caesarean section and at what time?

The timing of a caesarean section is determined strictly individually, but doctors try to bring it as close as possible to the time of physiological birth, i.e. 39-40 weeks. This allows you to avoid development in a newborn caused by hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of his lungs. When setting a date for intervention, several factors are taken into account, the main ones being the health status of the pregnant woman and the development of the fetus. A pregnancy is considered full-term when the gestational age reaches 37 weeks.

It is believed that the ideal time to start a cesarean section is the period of the first contractions, but if the placenta previa is incorrect, they do not wait for them.

In case of multiple pregnancy or detection in the patient, the operation is performed at 38 weeks. With monoamniotic twins, cesarean section is performed much earlier - at 32 weeks.

There are certain indications for surgical intervention.

Please note

If there is at least one absolute indication or a combination of two or more relative indications, natural delivery is excluded!

Absolute indications include:

• history of corporal caesarean section;
• previous operations on the uterus;
• large fruit (≥ 4500 g);
• monoamniotic twins;
• complete placenta previa;
• anatomically narrow pelvis;
• post-traumatic deformation of the pelvic bones;
• transverse presentation of the child;
• after 36 weeks of gestation and weight > 3600 g;
• multiple pregnancy with malpresentation of one fetus;
• growth delay of one of the twins.

Relative indications are:

A planned caesarean section is mandatory if a diaphragmatic hernia, non-union of the anterior abdominal wall or teratoma is detected in the unborn child, as well as in the case of fusion of twins.

Please note

In some situations, the operation can be performed without special indications at the request of the woman. Some expectant mothers prefer a caesarean section under anesthesia because they fear pain during natural childbirth.

The process of preparing for a planned caesarean section

If your doctor has informed you that a planned cesarean section is necessary, do not hesitate to ask him any questions you may have. Check the date of hospitalization and find out if everything is in order with your tests. A number of measures to improve the condition of the body must be taken in advance, i.e. during pregnancy.

Please note

During the examination, the expectant mother must consult a neurologist, an ophthalmologist (or ophthalmologist), a therapist and an endocrinologist. If necessary, drug correction of diagnosed disorders is carried out.

It is advisable to attend special courses for women in labor who are preparing for a CS.

Try to eat right and spend more time in the fresh air. Be sure to take daily walks - physical inactivity can harm both you and your baby.

Get checked regularly at the antenatal clinic. Be sure to report any changes in your condition to your doctor.

What to take with you to the maternity hospital?

List of documents and necessary things:

Don't forget to bring diapers, diapers and baby powder for your newborn.

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Preoperative preparation a few days before the CS

Be sure to check whether you need to shave your pubic area yourself. It is better to entrust this manipulation to medical workers (to avoid cuts, infection and inflammation), but some institutions recommend preparing this area in advance.

After admission to the antenatal department (usually 2 weeks before the intervention), a series of tests will be required so that doctors can objectively assess the condition of their patient at the present time.

List of required tests:

• blood group and Rh factor;
• vaginal smear.

Additionally, a hardware examination is carried out - and CTG - cardiotocography.

You need to give up solid food for 48 hours. On the eve of the CS, you cannot eat after 18-00, and on the day of the operation it is extremely undesirable to even consume liquid. In the morning before the intervention, you need to cleanse the intestines, using an enema if necessary.

The method of anesthesia is discussed in advance. Local anesthesia (spinal or) is recommended for those who want to see their child in the first moments of his life. Besides, It should be taken into account that anesthesia can negatively affect the baby’s condition. In any case, the procedure will not be associated with pain.

Please note

In most specialized maternity hospitals, mothers are allowed to hold their newborn for a short time immediately after the CS.

The patient is taken from the ward to the operating room on a gurney.

Already on the table, a catheter is inserted into the bladder. A dropper with a solution must be placed or a drug injection must be given.

The surgical field (lower abdomen) is carefully treated with an antiseptic solution. If it is expected that the patient will remain conscious, then a screen is installed in front of her at chest level, blocking the view (to avoid mental trauma).

After anesthesia, two incisions are made (most often transverse) in the lower abdomen. During the first, the skin, the layer of fiber and the abdominal wall are dissected, and during the second, the uterus. The baby is removed and, after cutting the umbilical cord, transferred to a neonatologist. The newborn's mouth and nasal passages are cleaned. His condition is assessed using the generally accepted ten-point APGAR scale.

Please note

If a caesarean section is not being performed for the first time, the incision is usually made along the line of the old suture.

The longest stage is suturing. It requires jeweler precision from the obstetrician, since not only the severity of the cosmetic defect, but also the healing process of soft tissues will depend on the quality of sutures. Neat transverse seams are practically invisible in the future, because they are hidden under the hair.

The advantage of a horizontal incision above the pubis is that it practically reduces to zero the likelihood that the bladder or intestinal wall will be accidentally hit. In addition, the risk of hernia formation is minimized, and healing proceeds faster. An incision in the vertical direction from the navel to the pubic bone is often made during an emergency caesarean section, when the need to save the mother and child comes to the fore, rather than aesthetic considerations.

At the final stage of a planned cesarean section, which in the absence of complications lasts only 20-40 minutes, the suture is treated with an antiseptic and covered with a sterile bandage.

Postoperative period

The baby can be put to the breast immediately after the operation is completed.

At the end of the procedure, the woman is usually transferred to the intensive care unit, where she stays for 24-48 hours (provided there are no complications). However, now in many maternity hospitals, already 2 hours after the operation, a woman and a child are transferred from the operating room immediately to a shared ward.

Drugs are administered intravenously to the mother to stabilize and generally improve the condition.

A woman is allowed to get out of bed 12 hours after surgery(in the absence of complications).

Both general and spinal (spinal) anesthesia negatively affect intestinal motility, so on the first day you can only drink liquid (clean water); The recommended volume is at least 1.5 liters. On the second day, you can drink low-fat kefir or yogurt without chemical colors and flavors, and also consume chicken broth with crackers.

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For at least 1 week you need to abstain from fatty and fried foods, as well as seasonings and spices.

It is necessary to take measures, since excessive straining increases the risk of sutures coming apart. It is advisable to consume foods with laxative properties, and if they do not give the expected effect, you will have to resort to laxatives.

The suture is cleaned and the sterile dressing is changed daily.

If the patient complains of pain, she is given analgesics as necessary.

Until the sutures heal and are removed, physical activity is excluded. It is strictly forbidden to lift weight more than 3 kg in the next 2-3 months.

The recovery period after a CS lasts slightly longer than after a natural birth. The uterus returns to its physiological state after an average of one and a half to two months.

Please note

Resumption of sexual activity is permissible after two months from the date of surgery.

Possible complications after cesarean section

The technique of performing a CS has now been honed to perfection. The likelihood of complications when the mother in labor follows all the instructions of the attending physician is minimized.

In rare cases, it is possible:

Please note

In severe cases (in particular, with massive bleeding), doctors have to resort to hysterectomy to save the mother’s life.

Previously, there was an opinion that a child born via CS does not produce certain hormones and protein compounds that are natural adaptogens. In this regard, disturbances in the process of the baby’s adaptation to the environment and certain mental disorders cannot be ruled out. This statement is now considered erroneous.

After discharge from the maternity hospital, the suture can and should be disinfected independently, using solutions of hydrogen peroxide and brilliant green. If a bloody or purulent discharge and (or) pain of a “shooting” or “jerking” nature appears, you should urgently seek help from a doctor - these may be symptoms of the onset of an infectious inflammation.

Plisov Vladimir, doctor, medical observer