Supporting your partner through a cesarean section
At this stage of pregnancy, many pregnant women experience heartburn, a burning sensation in the upper chest or throat. As the uterus exerts pressure on the stomach from below, stomach acids travel up to the esophagus. Heartburn during pregnancy can be quite unpleasant but not dangerous [1].
The growing uterus also squeezes the bladder, causing frequent trips to the bathroom that are typical during pregnancy. To avoid going to the bathroom at night, it’s a good idea to drink less liquids in the evening [2].
It’s common for a pregnant woman to leak urine, especially when she laughs, coughs, or sneezes. Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor (approved by her doctor) can help [3].
If a woman is carrying a multiple pregnancy or presents with placenta previa or a chronic disease, such as diabetes or herpes [4, 5], her doctor will likely recommend a planned Cesarean section.
Some people believe that delivery by C-section is in some way less of an achievement for a woman in comparison to a vaginal birth. And even though nothing could be further from the truth, some women experience feelings of guilt or frustration if they undergo a Cesarean.
There has never been a safer time to deliver a baby than the present. A Cesarean section is a measure taken in an emergency or to reduce risks, primarily for the baby. It is not an “easy way out” as it requires a long recovery period and has no bearing on a woman’s ability to breastfeed or lovingly care for her newborn.
