A caesarean section is a procedure in which a baby is delivered via a surgical incision in the uterus.http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp006.cfmCaesarean section, also called a c-section, constitutes major abdominal surgery and requires a longer hospital stay and carries greater risk than vaginal birth. However, for the majority of women, a caesarean section is a safe option and can be lifesaving in an emergency.http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp006.cfm http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/240_1031.asp

While c-section was a rare occurrence as recently as 40 years ago, happening in about 1 in 40 births, the current c-section rate in the United States is now nearly 1 in 3.http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/cesarean-section-topic-overview http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090318.htm Caesarean birth comes in two varieties: planned and unplanned.http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/cesarean-section-topic-overview An unplanned caesarean occurs as a result of an emergency or a childbirth complication, often after a vaginal delivery has been attempted. Planned, or elective, caesarean deliveries are scheduled ahead of time, either because of a known or anticipated problem or because one or more previous babies were born this way and a repeat caesarean is preferred by doctor and mother.http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/cesarean-section-topic-overview

The risks of a caesarean section are similar to those of other surgical procedures. The incision may become infected during the recovery period or the mother may suffer from severe blood loss, blood clots, or complications of the anesthesia, whether an epidural, a spinal block, or general anesthetic is used.http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/cesarean-section-topic-overview http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp006.cfm Additionally, there are risks of injury to other organs, injury to the baby, and breathing problems in the infant, either due to anesthesia or being born before the lungs have fully developed.http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/cesarean-section-topic-overview In some cases, c-sections can also interfere with the establishment of breastfeeding. As with any surgery, death, though rare, is a risk in caesarean section.http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/cesarean-section-topic-overview

The following conditions may warrant a c-section:

• Cephalopelvic disproportion
• Multiple birth
• Failure of labor to progress
• Fetal distress
• HELLP syndrome or preeclampsia
• HIV or an active case of genital herpes
• Placental abruption or placenta previa
• Breech birth or other malpresentations
• Previous caesarean birth http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/240_1031.asp

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.