This labor and delivery nurse created an amazingly insightful visual illustrating what the body goes through during a C-section, and it’s mind-blowing!
Trish Ware (@labor.nurse.mama) is a labor and delivery nurse and virtual birth coach who often posts content on the subject of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Recently, Ware shared a video on Instagram where she showed viewers what happens during a C-section, and it’s beyond fascinating!
The clip begins with the words “Shout out to all my belly mamas! We see you, and your journey is incredible,” typed over a shot of a stack of felt squares to represent the abdominal layers doctors must cut through to deliver the baby.
Each piece of felt is labeled with its corresponding function. A horizontal incision is located on the bottom half of the felt sheets.
Ware takes viewers through the surgery using accelerated footage of each piece of felt, beginning with the skin. Following the skin, doctors must cut through a layer of fat and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding organs) to get to the muscle.
Then, according to Ware, a vertical incision is made through the muscle and peritoneum (the membrane forming the abdominal cavity’s lining), which lies on top of the bladder.
She goes on to demonstrate that the bladder is folded over to expose the uterus, and then a horizontal incision is made in the uterus to get to the amniotic sac which holds the baby.
Once the amniotic sac is ruptured, the baby can finally be delivered.
Ware’s video is a quick and straightforward depiction of a complicated procedure with many layers. As Ware notes in the video’s caption, “A cesarean is major abdominal surgery.”
Many parents took to the comments to compliment Ware on her informative video and shared stories of their own C-sections.
“Wow. Great visual. My doc did explain it, but it must have gone over my head. Currently learning how to strengthen my ab muscles again. Totally worth it. Babies are worth everything,” said one parent.
“I have so much respect for women who have C-sections,” applauded one user.
“What a great visual! People have no idea how big of a surgery a C-section is,” one TikToker mentioned.
Whether parents have a C-section or vaginal delivery, giving birth is a major medical milestone, and the procedure you choose depends on a lot of factors, but most importantly what is safest for you and your baby.
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