Enjoying Your Pregnancy Guide to Understanding - Brigham and ...

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Morning of Surgery:
Prior to your cesarean birth, you will be told what time to report to the Obstetrical Admitting Office,
which is located in the Main Lobby next to the Gift Shop. (Please arrive two hours prior to your scheduled
cesarean birth.)
After completing paperwork and depending on the scheduled time of your cesarean birth, you will be
escorted to the Center for Labor and Birth where a nurse will ask you questions about your medical and
surgical histories, obstetrical history, allergies and medications. The nurse will also check your blood
pressure, pulse and temperature, as well as your baby’s heart rate. Your abdomen, as well as some of your
pubic hair, will be shaved. You will be given an antacid before giving birth. A Foley catheter, which is used
to drain urine from your bladder, will be inserted before the surgery begins.
Anesthesia:
In a triage or recovery room, an anesthesiologist will discuss with you the various types of anesthesia and
the advantages and disadvantages of each. You may also call the anesthesiologist on duty at (617) 732-
5435 at any time if you have specific questions or would like to discuss your options in advance. Please
refer to the Obstetric Anesthesia Service brochure in your admitting packet for additional information.
An intravenous (IV) line will be started which will administer fluids and medication during and after your
cesarean birth. Spinal anesthesia is given in the operating room due to its rapid onset. The anesthesiologist
and labor and birth nurse will stay with you and explain the procedure. You will receive oxygen from a
mask placed over your nose and mouth (the plastic may have a strange odor). Although rarely used, if you
have general anesthesia, medication will be administered through your IV line and will put you to sleep
almost immediately.
Cesarean Birth:
The individuals who will be present with you in the operating room are: your support person (at the head
of the bed with you), your obstetrician, his/her assistant, an anesthesiologist, the labor/birth nurse, the
operating room technician, a pediatrician and a neonatal nurse. There may be additional physicians
present. If you receive general anesthesia, your support person will not be with you. You will be in the
operating room for about two hours. After your baby is born and has received preliminary care, he or she
can usually stay with you in the operating room.
Recovery:
After your cesarean birth, you will be taken to the recovery room and monitored closely for at least two
hours. If you had a spinal or epidural anesthetic, you will stay in the recovery room until you can move
your legs (about two hours). You blood pressure, pulse, temperature, lochia (vaginal bleeding), fundus
(uterus) and abdominal dressing will be checked. Your baby and support person can be with you in the
recovery room until you are transferred to the postpartum unit. The time spent in the recovery room is a
good chance to get acquainted with your baby, and if you are breastfeeding, to start nursing with the help
of your nurse.
Postpartum:
You will be encouraged to get out of bed shortly after your cesarean birth. The Foley catheter will be
removed in the morning, and the IV is usually removed 24 to 48 hours after giving birth. Your physician
will prescribe pain medication in one of two ways: on a “when needed” basis, (i.e. when you ask the nurses
for it) or a “patient controlled analgesia” (PCA) pump with which you can give yourself medicine through
your IV. On your first day, we recommend you take pain medication at regular intervals to control the pain.
The discomfort from your incision should subside with each day.
When you are brought to your postpartum room, your family and friends may visit you. Visiting hours are
from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m., but fathers or support persons may visit at any time and are encouraged to stay
overnight. Please try to limit the time you spend with visitors, as you need to rest and get to know your
new baby.