Introduction: Caesarean section is a large abdominal surgery, whose psychological impact is often overlooked. The outcome of pregnancy and childbirth is sometimes marked by negative feelings which can be so powerful that they can cause psychological trauma, consequently affect the women’s self-esteem and the way they cope with post-natal challenges. Purpose: With the diploma thesis, we wanted to find out the psychological consequences of the caesarean section, which are the factors that cause psychological trauma and what is helpful for women who are dealing with this type of childbirth. In addition, the diploma thesis also described the influence of the caesarian section on parenting, partnership and the occurrence of post-natal mental disorders. Methods: In the diploma thesis we used the descriptive method of work. The thesis was based on the collection of technical and scientific literature on the psychological consequences of the cesarean section and its critical reading. Domestic and foreign databases were used: COBISS, Cinahl, Cochrane, Google Schoolar, Medline, ScienceDirect. Results: Decades ago, scientists have come to the realization, that giving birth by caesarean section can leave some women with a negative psychological effect. In particular, in the case of mothers who were preparing for active labor and after a long period of vaginal labor, the caesarean section was performed unexpectedly (urgent). Women may experience mental distress, loss of self-esteem and symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome. As a consequence, the caesarean affects the relationships between the partners, as well as the relationship between the child and the mother. Women, after the caesarean section, show less affection for their children and have lower satisfaction in the parent role. Women who deliver by caesarean section, especially urgent, have a sixfold increase in the occurrence of postpartum depression. Discussion and conclusion: Caesarean section can have consequences for the psychological health of women. It is important for the midwife to recognize the emotional and psychological needs of women after the caesarean section and their influence on the transition to maternity.
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