C-Section (Cesarean Section):

A cesarean section — more commonly known as C-section — is the surgical delivery of a baby. It involves one incision in the mother’s abdomen and another in the uterus.

Why a C-Section Is Done:

A C-section is typically performed when complications from pregnancy make traditional vaginal birth difficult, or puts the mother or child at risk. Sometimes C-sections are planned early in the pregnancy, but they are most often performed when complications arise during labor.

Reasons for a C-section delivery include:

» baby has developmental conditions

» baby’s head is too big for the birth canal

» the baby is coming out feet first (breech birth)

» early pregnancy complications

» mother’s health problems, such as high blood pressure or unstable heart disease

» mother has active genital herpes that could be transmitted to the baby

» previous C-section delivery

» problems with the placenta, such as placental abruption or placenta previa

» problems with the umbilical cord

» reduced oxygen supply to the baby

» stalled labor

» the baby is coming out shoulder first (transverse labor)