Cesarean Delivery

Cesarean section, C-section, or Cesarean birth is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. Healthcare providers use it when they believe it's safer for the mother, the baby, or both.

The incision made in the skin may be:
Up-and-down (vertical). This incision extends from the belly button to the pubic hairline.
or
Across from side-to-side (horizontal). This incision extends across the pubic hairline. It's used most often, because it heals well and there is less bleeding. The type of incision used depends on the health of the mother and the fetus. The incision in the uterus may also be either vertical or horizontal.

Why might I need a C-section?

If you can't deliver vaginally, C-section allows the fetus to be delivered surgically. You may be able to plan and schedule your Cesarean. Or, you may have it done because of problems during labor.

Several conditions make a Cesarean delivery more likely. These include:

Abnormal fetal heart rate. The fetal heart rate during labor is a good sign of how well the fetus is doing. Your provider will monitor the fetal heart rate during labor. The normal rate varies between 120 to 160 beats per minute. If the fetal heart rate shows there may be a problem, your provider will take immediate action. This may be giving the mother oxygen, increasing fluids, and changing the mother's position. If the heart rate doesn’t improve, he or she may do a Cesarean delivery.

Abnormal position of the fetus during birth. The normal position for the fetus during birth is head-down, facing the mother's back. Sometimes a fetus is not in the right position. This makes delivery more difficult through the birth canal.

Problems with labor. Labor that fails to progress or doesn't progress the way it should.

Size of the fetus. The baby is too large for your provider to deliver vaginally.

Placenta problems. This includes placenta previa, in which the placenta blocks the cervix. (Premature detachment from the fetus is known as abruption.)

Certain conditions in the mother, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or HIV infection

Active herpes sores in the mother’s vagina or cervix

Twins or other multiples

Previous C-section

Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a Cesarean delivery.

What are the risks of a C-section?

Some possible complications of a C-section may include:

Reactions to the medicines used during surgery

Bleeding

Abnormal separation of the placenta, especially in women with previous Cesarean delivery

Injury to the bladder or bowel

Infection in the uterus

Wound infection

Trouble urinating or urinary tract infection

Delayed return of bowel function

Blood clots

After a C-section, a woman may not be able to have a vaginal birth in a future pregnancy. It will depend on the type of uterine incision used. Vertical scars of the uterus are not strong enough to hold together during labor contractions, so a repeat C-section is necessary.

You may have other risks that are unique to you. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure, if possible.