With 33 percent of births being delivered via C-section each year, it's pretty amazing that so much is still misunderstood about the procedure. There are so many misconceptions about C-sections, for example, that it means women are too posh to push. This is just not the case! There are medical reasons why doctors encourage women to opt for a cesarean. This isn't the only myth that has been lingering on for too long. We're breaking it all down and revealing the truth about C-sections.
Read more ¿Qué más?: 10 Ways C-sections & vaginal births are basically the same
Image via Thinkstock
You can have as many C-sections as you want
The truth is there is a limit to how many C-sections a woman can have. According to the Mayo Clinic, the majority of women can safely have up to three C-section deliveries. This is because each time you have a cesarean, scar tissue builds up around your uterus. This can cause complications like placenta implantation and bladder lacerations.
You don't feel anything during it
Negative! Although you won't feel the doctor's incision, you will feel an incredible amount of pressure on your insides as they lift the baby out of your body cavity.
You get to skip the "vaginal car wash"
Just because your baby isn't coming out through there doesn't mean nurses won't give you a trim in your lady parts area. Before surgery, a nurse will come in and shave your area, which is also nicknamed the "vaginal car wash."
You won't be able to breastfeed right away
This is so false! Clinics and hospitals are supposed to have breastfeeding start in the OR or once you're brought to the recovery room. You will need help from hospital staff or your partner to support holding the baby and getting it to latch on.
You won't be awake while giving birth
Unless you're having severe complications, you're not put to sleep during a C-section. Instead, doctors will administer an epidural, which numbs you from about the top of your rib cage to your feet. The best part is that you get to be awake to meet your baby for the first time!
Getting a C-section means you're too posh to push
Women that opt to have a C-section are recommended to do so by their doctors. According to the World Health Organization, the procedure is done when vaginal birth may pose a threat to the health of the mom or baby. That includes a breech birth or fetal distress.
You don't feel pain
Nope! Childbirth is painful no matter what. The difference with a C-section is that most of the pain will be felt after child birth. The recovery pain can last between two and six weeks. You'll need plenty of TLC and help from your partner and family once you're sent back home.
You won't have skin to skin contact with your baby
Unless your baby needs immediate emergency care after birth, doctors are able to show you the baby and lay it on your chest for the first time. Make sure you express your desire to have skin to skin contact with your doctor so they can accommodate accordingly.
