Caesarian Section Delivery

At the suggestion of your physician, it may be necessary for you to have a cesarean section delivery — also called c-section. A c-section is the surgical delivery of a baby. An incision is made in the mother's abdomen and uterus (womb) to deliver the baby. In the United States, 15 to 25 percent, or about one in five, of all births are delivered by cesarean section.

Reasons for the Procedure

Size of the baby

If a baby is very large, it might not be able to pass safely through the mother's pelvis.

Maternal medical conditions

e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, herpes infection

Position of the placenta

The placenta (the organ that links the mother and the baby) sometimes blocks the path of exit from the uterus.

Multiple births

Cesarean may be necessary if more than one baby is being born (such as the case with twins).

Failure of labor to progress

Sometimes labor (the sharp contractions that help push out the baby) might stop before the baby is born. The doctor might wait or give medication that helps labor start again. In some cases, the baby will still need to be delivered by cesarean.

Health of the baby

If the baby shows signs of distress such as a worsening abnormal heart rate during delivery, cesarean may be necessary.

Previous cesarean birth

The doctor may discuss with the mother that having delivered one baby by cesarean might mean it would be best to have other babies delivered by cesarean.

Fetal Anomalies

Certain problems with the fetus may have been diagnosed with prenatal testing.