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Cesarean Section

Overview

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What is a cesarean section (C-section)?

A cesarean section is the delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) in the mother's belly and uterus, Opens dialog. It's often called a C-section. Sometimes a C-section is needed for the safety of the mother or baby.

When is a C-section needed?

In most cases, doctors do a C-section because of problems during labor. For example:

  • Labor is slow and hard or stops completely.
  • Your baby shows signs of distress, such as a very fast or slow heart rate.
  • There's a problem with the placenta or umbilical cord.
  • Your baby is too big to be delivered vaginally.

When doctors know about a problem ahead of time, they may schedule a C-section. You may have a planned C-section if:

  • Your baby isn't in a head-down position close to your due date.
  • You have a health problem that could be made worse by the stress of labor.
  • You have an infection that you could pass to your baby during a vaginal birth.
  • You're carrying more than one baby.
  • You had a C-section before, and you have the same problems this time. Or your doctor thinks labor might cause your scar to tear.

What are the risks of a C-section?

Most mothers and babies do well after a C-section. But it's major surgery. It carries more risk than a normal vaginal delivery. Some possible risks include:

  • An infection.
  • Heavy blood loss.
  • Blood clots in the mother's legs or lungs.
  • Injury to the mother or the baby.
  • Problems from the anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, and severe headache.
  • Breathing problems in the baby if the baby was delivered before the due date.

If you get pregnant again, your C-section scar has a small risk of the scar tearing open during labor (uterine rupture). You also have a slightly higher risk of a problem with the placenta, Opens dialog, such as placenta previa, Opens dialog.

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Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.