• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Mommy Mundo

multi-platform parent resource and community in the Philippines

  • Community
    • MomShare
    • Momfluence Network
  • Learn
    • Events
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Show Search
Hide Search

in Pregnancy

What to expect in an unexpected C

Pregnant moms have two options when it comes to delivery: vaginal birth and Caesarean birth. While majority of moms prefer a vaginal birth, approximately one-third of births end up as a Caesarean or C-section delivery. A number of them are unexpected or due to an emergency.

For moms who intended to deliver naturally or normally (the former being without anesthesia and the latter with), undergoing a Caesarean can be terrifying. All of a sudden, they have to go through a major surgery. This article hopes to prepare moms, just in case they find themselves facing an unexpected C.

Decision-making and briefing

If a C-section is unexpected, the doctors will come in and explain why the C-section is necessary. It can be due to breech presentation of the baby, placenta problems (such as placenta previa), fetal distress (often characterized by low oxygen levels and either a slower or faster heart rate), and cord coil, among others.

Once the OB-GYN has stated his case, an anesthesiologist will explain what is to be done for pain management. The doctors will check if the mom has had any history of allergy to painkillers. The anesthesia given is either a spinal block or an epidural. These options allow a mother to stay awake during the procedure so that she may witness the birth of her child. In some cases, however, general anesthesia is necessary, so the mother will be asleep.

In some cases, a mom is on her way to deliver vaginally, but complications call for a Caesarean surgery. In which case, all of the above is done very quickly.

Prepping 

Once it has been established that a woman needs a C-section, nurses will begin prepping her. This can include shaving her pubic hair so that the doctors will be working on hair-free skin; removing nail polish so that the doctor can better monitor her vitals; and perhaps other steps to make sure the doctors can do their best work.

In the operating room, prepping involves administering the anesthesia and making sure the mom doesn’t feel anything. Often, she will only feel pressure, but not pain. Nurses and doctors may also place a catheter to assist with urination during the recovery period. This is done after the anesthesia has taken effect. Next, nurses may strap down the mother’s arms so that her body creates a T shape. This is to prevent the mother’s arms from shaking too much that it makes the surgical process difficult for doctors. A mother’s arms will shake because of her body temperature dropping once the incision has been made. The final step is to put drapes around the mother so that she does not see her surgery as it progresses.

The surgery

Once everyone is ready, nurses will check to see that they have everything in place for the doctors. Doctors will often talk to the mother as they go through the procedure, assuring her that things are going well.

So long as it isn’t an extreme emergency where doctors need to reach the baby as quickly as possible, a horizontal incision, right before the pubic hair begins is where doctors will cut. Also known as the “bikini cut,” this is preferred by most women.

After cutting through the skin, doctors will have to cut through fat, then move aside abdominal muscles, the bladder, and the intestines. In some cases, the doctors will remove the intestines and bladder so that they have better access to the uterus. Once the uterus is reached, the doctor will cut it open and begin suctioning the amniotic fluid, then put his hands inside and slowly birth the baby.

Mothers sometimes report feeling nausea once the baby has been removed from their body. This is very normal, and it will pass.

As soon as the baby is born, it is shown to the mother. The doctors will then weigh the baby, administer Vitamin K, measure, and clean the baby of amniotic fluid. The baby’s Apgar score is also taken. If the baby’s vitals are normal, the newborn is given to the mother so that she may begin breastfeeding. If the baby needs special attention, he will be taken to the nursery.

While this is happening, the doctors are busy at work sewing the mother back up, beginning with the uterus and then moving on to the proper placement of the organs and muscles until they sew up the skin.

Recovery

Though C-sections have very minimal risk, it is still major surgery, and with that comes risks such as blood clots, infection, and hemorrhage, among others. Pregnant women are also monitored for preeclampsia, which sometimes causes pre-term births that lead to C-sections.

During recovery, a mother is often asked to wear an abdominal band to assist in her healing process. It will also help the mom move around better when she begins walking more in the first few days after birth and upon arriving at home. She will often have to dress and care for her incision wound at home until it is healed enough for doctors to remove the stitches. She will be asked to take her time with the recovery process. It can be difficult, painful, and take longer than expected. Although most mothers will be fully recovered and able to exercise three months after the surgery.

Having an unexpected C-section can be disappointing for moms, especially if they had their heart set on a vaginal delivery. The recovery process of the C-section can also prolong this disappointment. Should a mom feel disconnected from herself, her body, or her baby, know that it is very normal to feel this after giving birth. But there is plenty of help available and good steps to take to address these feelings.

Images from Unsplash and Pexels

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @MOMMYMUNDO

Call for Vendors and Performers! 📣💖 Join us Call for Vendors and Performers! 📣💖

Join us at Mommy Mundo’s Mommy Milkshake Run 2025 — happening on August 3, Sunday at Parklinks, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Quezon City!

This highly-anticipated family fun run will be bringing together parents, kids, and the whole family to celebrate movement, bonding, and the advocacy of breastfeeding. It’s a feel-good event filled with joy and meaningful moments.

Are you a…

Mompreneur vendor;
Food & drinks brand; or
Live performer

who want to connect with a warm, family-loving crowd and showcase your products in a vibrant, supportive space? Email vendors@mommymundo.com or sign up at bit.ly/MommyMundoVendor 💌

Limited slots available — see you at the run! 🏃🏻‍♀️🫶🏻

#MommyMilkshakeRun2025 #CallForVendors #MamaMarket #MommyMundoEvents #MommyMundoMommyMilkshakeRun
Every trimester brings new changes—not just for Every trimester brings new changes—not just for baby, but for your body too. 🤰🏻 Here’s a quick guide on what to eat to nourish both of you, one trimester at a time:

First Trimester:

Protein: Eggs, tofu, legumes
Folate: Citrus, spinach, broccoli
Bland snacks: Crackers, bananas, nuts
Hydration: Coconut water, clear soups

Second Trimester:

Iron: Lean meat, leafy greens, beans
Calcium: Yogurt, cheese, fortified milk
Healthy fats: Avocado, nuts, olive oil
Vitamin C: Mango, strawberries, bell peppers

Third Trimester

Omega-3s: Salmon, chia seeds, walnuts
Carbs: Brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes
Fiber: Fruits, veggies, whole grains
Go easy on salt & processed foods

Want more pregnancy wisdom? 👋🏻

Join Pregnant Pause on July 19 — our signature prenatal class with Rome Kanapi — a safe, supportive space where moms-to-be can learn, bond with fellow moms, and feel more prepared for what’s ahead. 💖

Don’t miss the Mom Market too! 🛍️

Shop thoughtfully curated essentials on the same day, right at the venue!

Participation is free but registration is a must — sign up at mommymundo.com/pregnantpause now 🫶🏻

P.S Thank you so much to our sponsors for making this event possible:

@anmumph
@solbac_ph
@estanciaph 

#MommyMundo #NourishWithLove #MMNourishWithLove #NutritionMonth #MMNutritionMonth  #PregnantPause
It’s week 22 of our #yearofconnection ! Don’t It’s week 22 of our #yearofconnection ! Don’t forget to take time for a fun Connection Question convo with the fam this weekend! ❤️✨

We’re aiming to make 2025 a year of Connection through our weekly activity.
 
The best time to have these casual discussions would be when in relax mode with your children. Sit together, (set aside the gadgets!) remove possible distractions, and be present ✨❤️ Take turns asking each other this question for week 6! Just listen and simply acknowledge the sharing.:) 

Even if tempted to dish out advice or to react, this isnt the time for that. Allow for a safe space, and connections will flow and follow.🫶🏻🙏🏼 

Most importantly, enjoy this time together! 

…

Join us weekly for this activity and after 50 questions, we will end the year more connected and attuned with ourselves and each other. If you just heard about this now, check out our highlights to get started! ✨ 

22/50 #calltoconnect
#mommymundo 
#momconnect
#parenting #family #motherhood
Pregnancy Bingo! 🤰🏻✨ Mood swings? Scent a Pregnancy Bingo! 🤰🏻✨

Mood swings? Scent aversion? Always sleepy? If you’ve ticked off a few of these, mama — you’re definitely not alone! 🫶🏻

Pregnancy comes with all sorts of surprises, and we’re here to help you feel seen, supported, and prepared. 💖

Join us at Pregnant Pause, Mommy Mundo’s signature prenatal event, happening on July 19 at Estancia Mall!

🛍️ Mom Market: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
👶 Prenatal Class with Rome Kanapi: 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
📍 2F Bridgeway Main Wing, Estancia Mall

Expect real talk for expecting moms and dads, expert guidance, and a warm community to walk with you every step of the way. 🌸

Participation is FREE, but registration is required! Sign up now via the link in bio or visit mommymundo.com/pregnantpause 💌

P.S. A heartful thank you to our sponsor for making this meaningful event possible! 

@anmumph
@solbac_ph
@estanciaph

#MommyMundo #PregnantPause #MommyMundoPregnantPause #pregnantmoms
“You are not a bad mother…” 💭 We asked, a “You are not a bad mother…” 💭
We asked, and your answers warmed our hearts. 💖

From missed meals to messy rooms, from tough days to tearful nights — so many moms shared the same fears, the same doubts… and the same reminder:

You are not alone.

You are doing your best. 

You are enough. ✨

And Mommy Mundo is here for you — cheering you on every step of the way. 

Link in bio to join our mailing list for inspiration, support, and updates made just for moms like you — link in bio! 💌

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoMoms #MMmoms #mompowerment #momcommunity
Breastmilk is ✨liquid gold✨ — packed with nu Breastmilk is ✨liquid gold✨ — packed with nutrients, antibodies, and love 💖 Whether you’re a stay-at-home or working mom, knowing how to store it properly helps you keep giving your baby the best, anytime, anywhere.

Celebrate the beauty of breastfeeding with us at the Mommy Milkshake Run on August 3 at Parklinks, Quezon City — a fun, family-friendly event for moms, dads, kids, grandparents, and your pets too! 🏃🏻‍♀️💕

Let’s move, connect, and celebrate the breastfeeding journey together! Register and purchase your kits now at mommymundo.com/mommymilkshake2025

…because when breastfeeding mom runs, milk shakes 😆🙌🏻

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoMommyMilkshakeRun #MommyMilkshakeRun2025 #BreastfeedingAwareness
Our giveaway isn’t just about the goodies (thoug Our giveaway isn’t just about the goodies (though they are ✨amazing✨)—it’s about celebrating thoughtful, quality finds from mom-run brands. Every item is mom-made, heart-led, and meant to be loved. 💖

Swipe through to take a closer look at the giveaway goodies from The Mompreneur Lab Batch 3 @mompreneurstogether 🤗

✨ Haven’t joined yet? Don’t miss your chance—giveaway ends June 30! 

#MommyMundo #themompreneurlab #mompreneurs #giveaway
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · MOMMY MUNDO GLOBAL · SITE DESIGN BY FGD