C-Section – Procedure and possibility of stem cell collection

A C-section is now a safe and routine operation performed on expectant mothers who, for various reasons, cannot give birth naturally. The scar from a C-section can, thanks to modern aesthetic medicine techniques, be removed using lasers.

A C-section is performed on women who have health contraindications for a natural birth. Complications following this procedure are rare, and the scar can usually be removed with a laser today. After a C-section, the woman requires a bit more time to fully recover compared to a natural birth. Increasingly, women opt to collect stem cells from blood or the umbilical cord after giving birth. During a C-section, the cells are collected after the placenta is removed.

C-Section procedure

A classic C-section requires specific preparations. Several hours before the surgery, the expectant mother undergoes cardiotocographic (CTG) tests, her blood pressure is measured, and an intravenous catheter is inserted to inject fluids to prevent dehydration during delivery. The indications for a C-section must be confirmed by a specialist. These include congenital or acquired heart defects, severe vision problems, and blood clotting disorders. The anesthetist decides on the type of anesthesia based on the mother’s health condition. The doctor inserts a fine needle between the lumbar vertebrae, and the anesthesia takes effect within a few minutes.

Post-C-Section recovery

After a C-section, physical activity should be limited to a minimum. The postpartum period following such a procedure lasts about two months, during which the mother’s body regenerates and recovers. Any strenuous physical activity, except for walking, is prohibited. The abdomen after a C-section is particularly sensitive, so doctors recommend 24 hours of rest in bed without raising the head. Women in the postpartum period often complain of severe headaches, so pain relief medication is necessary. Adhesions after a C-section are caused by impaired wound healing, and their presence can be associated with pain, especially during intercourse.

The period after a C-section is a time when a woman must pay special attention to the hygiene of her intimate area. Don’t be afraid of water or showers. The body actually craves a bath, but it is important to use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and baby-safe care products. The postpartum period after a C-section is similar to a natural birth in that it comes with complaints related to the excretory organs. New mothers often have problems with bowel movements and urination. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids and include fiber in daily meals. The diet after a C-section should be rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. It is especially important to avoid foods that cause bloating or are spicy. Other complications after a C-section are very rare and include prolonged bleeding or bacterial infections. The cleaning process of the cervix continues with the expulsion of so-called postpartum discharge for about six weeks after the baby’s birth. Light bleeding after a C-section, the presence of mucus, and blood clots are natural phenomena of the self-cleaning process of the uterus. The scar after a C-section may be unaesthetically, but it can be nearly painlessly removed using modern laser technology. A subsequent pregnancy after a C-section generally proceeds without complications, and there are no medical concerns about attempting a natural birth after a C-section.

Stem Cell collection process

Stem cells can only be collected once in a lifetime – directly after birth. These valuable cells are obtained from the umbilical cord blood, the umbilical cord itself or the placenta. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various types of tissue, which is why they can be used in the treatment of many serious diseases, including cancer. A stem cell transplant is most effective within the same family, as the risk of rejection is reduced.