What happens during a cesarean?
Preparation for the surgery includes starting an IV, shaving the pubic hair that shows when your legs are together and inserting a bladder catheter. Your belly will be washed with antiseptic and sterile drapes placed around the incision site. A blood pressure cuff and sensors on your chest and finger will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygenation. A curtain will be hung across your upper chest so that you cannot see the operation. Many hospitals permit your partner to be present. If so, he or she will be seated next to you and behind the curtain as well. Most cesareans are performed under epidural anesthesia because it is safer than general anesthesia (53). If an epidural is already in place, the anesthesiologist will strengthen it so that you are numb from your toes to your breastbone. If general anesthesia is used, you will be put under by injection of a medication into your IV. Once you are unconscious, the anesthesiologist will put a tube down your throat to mai
