A–Z Glossary

Spinal anesthesia

Spinal anesthesia is an injection that quickly numbs the lower body for surgery while the patient remains conscious.

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Medications during labor overview

Medications during labor overview

Why medications are used during labor Labor pain arises from cervical dilation, uterine contractions, pelvic pressure, tissue stretching, and, later, descent of the fetus through the birth canal. Medication can reduce the sensory intensity of pain, reduce anxiety-related distress, support rest, or provide anesthesia for procedures. The goal is not the same for everyone. Some […]

Step-by-step cesarean overview

Step-by-step cesarean overview

Before the operating room A step-by-step c-section procedure begins before the first incision. The clinical team confirms identity, gestational details, indication for cesarean, allergies, relevant medical history, blood type considerations, consent, and whether the operation is planned, urgent, or emergency. This pause is not paperwork for its own sake; it reduces wrong-patient, wrong-procedure, medication, and […]

Differences between planned and emergency C-section

Differences between planned and emergency C-section

What the terms mean A planned C-section, sometimes called an elective caesarean, is arranged before labor begins. In everyday language, “elective” can sound optional or non-medical, but in obstetrics it often means scheduled rather than sudden. The reason may be strongly medical, such as placenta previa, certain fetal presentations, multiple pregnancy complications, or previous uterine […]

Emergency C-section explained and warning signs

Emergency C-section explained and warning signs

What an emergency C-section means An emergency C-section is an unplanned cesarean birth performed because the obstetric team believes cesarean delivery is the safest way to protect the mother, the baby, or both. The word “emergency” can be confusing, because it is sometimes used broadly for any cesarean that was not scheduled. In clinical practice, […]

Step-by-step C-section procedure explained

Step-by-step C-section procedure explained

Before the operating room: assessment, consent, and preparation A C-section begins before the first incision. The obstetric team confirms the indication, reviews maternal and fetal status, checks allergies, discusses risks and benefits, and obtains informed consent whenever circumstances allow. In a , this preparation may occur calmly over hours or days. In an , the […]