What Is a C-Section (Cesarean Section)?

A C-section is a way of delivering a baby by surgery that opens up the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It’s also known as a cesarean birth.

Though many women are certain ahead of time that they’ll have a C-section for different reasons, you may plan to have a vaginal birth only to find that your plan has to change.

During labor or delivery, your doctor might decide that you need to have a C-section right away. This can be a sudden change if your health or your baby’s health takes a turn for the worse and it’s too risky for you to have a vaginal birth.

Even if you don’t think you’ll have a C-section, it’s smart to learn what one involves, just in case you need one. About 30% of all babies in the U.S. are born via C-section, so they’re fairly common.

C-sections are safe for mothers and babies. But it is major surgery, so you shouldn’t take it lightly.

Why a cesarean delivery is done

Sometimes a C-section is safer for you or your baby than is a vaginal delivery. Your health care provider might recommend a C-section if:

• Your labor isn’t progressing. Stalled labor is one of the most common reasons for a C-section. Stalled labor might occur if your cervix isn’t opening enough despite strong contractions over several hours.
• Your baby is in distress. If your health care provider is concerned about changes in your baby’s heartbeat, a C-section might be the best option.
• Your baby or babies are in an abnormal position. A C-section might be the safest way to deliver the baby if his or her feet or buttocks enter the birth canal first (breech) or the baby is positioned side or shoulder first (transverse).
• You’re carrying multiples. A C-section might be needed if you’re carrying twins and the leading baby is in an abnormal position or if you have triplets or more babies.
• There’s a problem with your placenta. If the placenta covers the opening of your cervix (placenta previa), a C-section is recommended for delivery.
• Prolapsed umbilical cord. A C-section might be recommended if a loop of umbilical cord slips through your cervix ahead of your baby.
• You have a health concern. A C-section might be recommended if you have a severe health problem, such as a heart or brain condition. A C-section is also recommended if you have an active genital herpes infection at the time of labor.
• Mechanical obstruction. You might need a C-section if you have a large fibroid obstructing the birth canal, a severely displaced pelvic fracture or your baby has a condition that can cause the head to be unusually large (severe hydrocephalus).
• You’ve had a previous C-section. Depending on the type of uterine incision and other factors, it’s often possible to attempt a VBAC. In some cases, however, your health care provider might recommend a repeat C-section.

Some women request C-sections with their first babies — to avoid labor or the possible complications of vaginal birth or to take advantage of the convenience of a planned delivery. However, this is discouraged if you plan on having several children. Women who have multiple C-sections are at increased risk of placental problems as well as heavy bleeding, which might require surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). If you’re considering a planned C-section for your first delivery, work with your health care provider to make the best decision for you and your baby.