What is Cesarean Birth?

Click here to view an animated version of this procedure.

The following situations may require a C-section:

• Large baby

• Baby is not in a head down position

• Maternal medical conditions (eg diabetes , high blood pressure , active herpes infection, HIV positive)

• Placenta previa —The placenta (the organ that links the mother and the baby) may be blocking the birth canal.

• Failure of labor to progress —Effective labor slows or stops before the baby is born.

• Baby shows signs of distress, such as an abnormal heart rate during labor

• Previous cesarean birth—In some cases, after one cesarean birth, it is best to have other babies delivered by cesarean.

• Fetal anomalies—Fetal problems that have been diagnosed by testing during the pregnancy may require a C-section.

Possible Complications

Cesarean birth is a surgery, and there are risks involved. The estimated risk of a woman dying after a cesarean birth is less than one in 2,500. The risk of death after a vaginal birth is less than one in 10,000. Other risks include:

• Infection—The uterus or nearby pelvic organs, such as the bladder or kidneys, can become infected.
• Bleeding—The average loss is about twice as much with cesarean birth as with vaginal birth.
• Decreased bowel function—The bowel sometimes slows down for several days after surgery, resulting in distention, bloating, and discomfort.
• Damage to other organs in the abdomen
• Longer hospital stay and recovery time—Cesarean stay is typically 4-5 days in the hospital after a cesarean delivery, and 1-3 days for a vaginal...