C-section

At the University of Maryland Medical Center, we are experts in providing safe C-sections (Cesarean births) that allow for family bonding and faster recovery. Our experienced health professionals will be with you for every step of your delivery.

Please download our patient guide to learn more about what to expect:

• English Patient Guide
• Spanish Patient Guide

Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean

A holistic system of caring for patients having C-sections, enhanced recovery after Cesarean (ERAC) is designed to prepare you for your surgery and recuperation. The ERAC system helps mothers heal faster, have fewer problems post-surgery and go home sooner.

Our talented team of obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives and nurse practitioners are committed to making your C-section delivery as stress-free as possible.

The ERAC system begins with steps you take before you come to the hospital, and it continues after you go home.

Your care team will go over the details of your care with you, and you can also refer to our Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean (ERAC) Guide, as needed. Here are some highlights from the guide:

Getting Ready

• Plan for a three-day hospital stay. We want to get you back to your everyday routines as quickly as possible.
• Meet with your C-section team the day before the operation.
• Choose the one person outside of your C-section team who will accompany you in the operating and recovery rooms.
• Pack a bag with everything you'll need for your delivery and stay. Please refer to our patient guide on what to bring.
• Stop taking all medicines the night before surgery except for the ones your doctor has instructed you to continue. Eat a light meal up to six hours before your surgery. (If you have diabetes, consult your doctor about what you can eat.)
• Drink three glasses of a clear, sugary drink before bed the night before your C-section. Drinking sugary drinks will help you stay alert. (If you have diabetes, consult your doctor about what you can drink.)
• Treat your skin before surgery to prevent illness with the medication your doctor recommended.

Day of the C-Section

• Plan to arrive at the hospital three hours before your C-section is scheduled.
• Your main support person, the only person outside of your C-section surgery team to accompany you during your delivery, will be with you in the operation and recovery rooms.

Going Home

Someone else will need to take you and your baby home. Our C-section patients are typically on their way by 11 am on discharge day. Before you go, we'll provide you with the following:

• The "C-Section Mother and Baby Discharge Guide," which has information on how to care for yourself and your baby
• Prescriptions, which you can fill at our hospital pharmacy, for medicines you'll need at home
• A follow-up appointment in one to two weeks
• A follow-up appointment for your baby