Emergency cesarean section, known as EmCS, is a surgical procedure that is performed in cases of urgent distress to the fetus and/or mother.

This procedure is intended to prevent death or serious complications. It should only be performed when less invasive methods haven’t averted the danger.

Emergency c-section procedure

In general, one should be given the opportunity to discuss the Emergency c-sections procedure with a doctor beforehand. However, in several situations, it might not always be possible to do so.

During the operation, you’ll lie in your normal position. The doctor will make two incisions. One into the wall of the abdomen and the second in the uterus. The baby is delivered through these incisions and then you will be stitched up. If any complications arise during an emergency c-section, doctors are prepared to respond quickly.

When do you need an emergency cesarean section?

An emergency cesarean may be needed if there are concerns about your health or the health of your unborn baby.

For example, you may need to have an emergency cesarean if:

• your labor has slowed down or stopped when you’re near full term (40 weeks)
• your waters break, but labor doesn’t start after 24 hours and the placenta isn’t working effectively
• you have a womb infection called chorioamnionitis
• your baby isn’t getting enough oxygen or nutrients through the placenta, or they’re not tolerating labor well

There are several other reasons why you may require an emergency cesarean section.

If you’re having this procedure, you’ll usually still be able to choose whether you’d like a regional anesthetic, such as an epidural or a spinal block, or a general anesthetic. This will depend on how quickly the procedure needs to be carried out.

C-section risks

Some of the common risks of an emergency C-section include:

• Hemorrhage (excessive bleeding). In some cases, severe hemorrhage can be life-threatening and requires a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus).
• Infection. As with any surgical procedure, there’s a risk of infection from an emergency C-section.
• Complications from anesthesia. When anesthesia is administered rapidly, it can cause breathing problems and low blood pressure in both you and your baby.
• Blood clots. Blood clots can form after any surgery. If one travels through your bloodstream to your lungs, it can become a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE).

Need more information?

In general, a c-section is the last delivery option. When there’s no other choice, your doctor will recommend you this. (There are also instances when you may have to go for a c-section for non-emergency reasons; like when contractions are weak.)

Despite the risks, if you have an experienced doctor by your side, you can expect a successful outcome.

If you have more questions, reach out to Dr. Vinita Khemani, a leading obstetrician and gynecologist in Kolkata, trusted by thousands of women. Book your appointment and visit her clinic.