During the Procedure

The doctor will make incisions in the abdomen and uterus and deliver the baby through the incisions. There are three different types of incisions:

• Low transverse incisions
  These are the most common type. They are made sideways across the lower portion of the uterus. They usually bleed less than incisions made higher on the uterus, form stronger scars and present less danger of rupture during subsequent labors.
  
  
• Classical incisions
  These incisions, also called high vertical incisions, were once used for all C-sections. Because this type of incision is associated with the highest risk of bleeding and of subsequent rupture of the uterus, it's now used only in emergency situations.
  
  
• Low vertical incisions
  These types of incisions are similar to classical incisions, but are lower on the uterus where the uterine wall is thinner. A low vertical incision may be used to deliver a baby situated in an awkward position, or when there's concern that the incision may need to be extended to become a classical incision.

The uterus will be closed with stitches that later dissolve on their own, and stitches or staples will be used to close the abdomen.

The entire procedure will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete.