A–Z Glossary

Urinary catheter

A urinary catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine and keep the bladder decompressed during surgery.

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Risks monitoring and alternatives to epidural

Risks monitoring and alternatives to epidural

What epidural monitoring is designed to catch An epidural is a form of neuraxial analgesia: medication is placed near the spinal nerves through a small catheter in the epidural space, reducing pain signals from the uterus, cervix, vagina, and perineum while the birthing person remains awake. Because the medication can also affect sympathetic nerve tone, […]

Switching from natural to medicated birth

Switching from natural to medicated birth

Why the plan may change A natural birth plan usually means intending to use nonpharmacologic coping strategies such as breathing, movement, upright positioning, hydrotherapy, counterpressure, massage, focused relaxation, and continuous support. These approaches can be meaningful and effective, but labor is dynamic. Cervical dilation, fetal position, contraction pattern, sleep deprivation, anxiety, induction methods, and back […]

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 […]

What happens during surgery and how long it takes

What happens during surgery and how long it takes

Why surgery may happen during birth In the birth setting, “surgery” most often means a cesarean section, a procedure in which the baby is delivered through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. A cesarean may be planned before labor begins, scheduled because of a known obstetric factor, or performed after labor has started if the […]

How to prepare for planned C-section

How to prepare for planned C-section

Understand the plan and the reason for surgery A is usually scheduled because the care team believes cesarean delivery is the safest or most appropriate route for the pregnant person, the baby, or both. Reasons may include placenta previa, some breech presentations, certain multiple pregnancies, previous uterine surgery, or other individualized medical factors. If you […]

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 […]