Symptoms/Indications of C section

C-section is often performed when a vaginal birth is difficult or may cause harm to mother and baby. There are several medical reasons which lead to c-section. 

Abnormal placenta or umbilical cord, high blood pressure in the mother, abnormal fetal heart rate, or malposition are some of the common causes leading to c section.

As recommended by the World Health Organisation c-section should be performed only when medically necessary.

Placenta Abruption

Placental abruption is an abnormal condition when the placenta gets separated from the uterus too early before childbirth.

It may occur commonly around 25 weeks of your pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, and very low blood pressure are some of the signs of placenta eruption. If not treated this condition may be dangerous for mother and baby. The mother may experience disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and kidney failure. Emergency c section is mandatory in this situation.

Placenta previa 

Placenta previa is one of the most common reasons for a c section.

The situation occurs when the placenta is attached to the uterus in an abnormal position over the cervical opening or close to it.

Indications of the placenta previa include vaginal bleeding in the third trimester of pregnancy. Usually, the bleeding is bright red, with no pain.

Abnormal fetal heart rate

The normal heart rate of a healthy fetus remains between 110 and 180bpm.

Fetal rhythm abnormalities can occur anytime in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It is an abnormal condition that includes fetal heart rates that are irregular, the heartbeat is too fast, or too slow.

Such a situation needs an emergency c section for the safety of the mother and fetus.

Malpresentation

The unusual position of the fetus (baby's body is against the cervix)in the uterus results in impossible or difficult vaginal birth.

Malpresentation is one of the main causes of the c section. 

Intra-amniotic infection (IAI)

The inflammation of the fetal membrane(amnion and chorion) most commonly caused due to bacterial infection is known as Intra-amniotic infection.

Symptoms of IAI include low-grade fever, low blood pressure in mother and fetus.

Although IAI is not a life-threatening situation for executing a c-section medication and treatment are needed to be followed by a gynecologist.