A caesarean section is a surgical procedure performed during childbirth. It involves making an incision in the abdominal wall to remove the baby from the mother’s womb. This procedure has advantages for both the mother and the child in some cases. However, complications during and before the caesarean section should not be overlooked. It can affect the perineum, involving other parts of the body.
Types of caesarean sections
There can be different reasons for having a caesarean section. Depending on these causes, the type of caesarean section will be different. A distinction must be made between a primary and a secondary caesarean section.
In the case of a primary Caesarean section, the Caesarean section has been planned in advance. It does not necessarily follow complications. The health professional will perform the caesarean section from the 38th week of gestation, before the water breaks and contractions begin. The scheduled caesarean section is not an emergency and is usually performed under spinal anaesthesia.
In the case of a secondary caesarean section, it will be performed in an emergency context. Made necessary by complications, it generally occurs after the first contractions or during the expulsion phase of the baby. An unscheduled caesarean section is therefore performed before or during labour. Certain indications call for such an operation: pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, placenta previa, delayed intrauterine growth, abnormal fetal heartbeat, etc.
Consequences of Caesarean section on the perineum
The risks of a delivery on the perineum are to suffer a perineal tear. This is due to the pressure exerted when the mother pushed. In the case of a caesarean section, she may indeed have had to do this if it was not a planned caesarean section. These are frequent pressures that will weaken the pelvic floor. The consequences for the perineum are then almost identical to a vaginal delivery. Other predispositions, such as constipation during pregnancy, can also influence the weakness of the pelvic floor.
Depending on the type of caesarean section performed, the perineal tear will be more or less significant. In the case of a scheduled caesarean section, the tear will be less severe. This is in contrast to a secondary caesarean section performed in an emergency, where the perineum is at greater risk.
The consequences of a perineal tear
Although a Caesarean section does not always prevent a perineal tear, it can have a significant impact on the body.
First of all, there is a loss of support. The tendon centre, which is the point of attachment between all the muscles of the pelvic floor, is considerably weakened. The loss of its elasticity will facilitate potential organ descent.
In the second stage, the loss of muscle tone is noticeable. In the second stage, there is a noticeable loss of muscle tone, which makes it difficult to contract, thus compromising the ability to maintain continence.
In the third stage, the tissues become less supple and less elastic. This can lead to feelings of discomfort and tightness.
Caesarean section protects the mother’s body
Although Caesarean sections can cause some complications to the perineum, they can also have many health benefits for the baby and the mother. Technically, a C-section allows the baby to be removed from the womb more quickly. It can be performed if the baby is experiencing difficulties, such as a change in heart rate. When a baby is born prematurely, it is also possible to have a premature caesarean section.
This means that a Caesarean section is not totally negative, especially as it prevents you from putting pressure on the perineum that would be harmful in the case of a planned Caesarean section.
Post-Caesare for the perineum
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a caesarean section, it is often advisable to rehabilitate your perineum. Indeed, having supported the weight of the baby and the placenta for 9 months, this will allow it to become firmer, having normally relaxed during childbirth.
