Cesarean Section Summary A Cesarean section (C-section) is surgery to deliver a baby. The baby is taken out through the mother’s abdomen. In the United States, about one in four women have their babies this way. Most C-sections are done when unexpected problems happen during delivery. These include Health problems in the mother The position of the baby Not enough room for the baby to go through the vagina Signs of distress in the baby C-sections are also more common among women carrying more than one baby. The surgery is relatively safe for mother and baby. Still, it is major surgery and carries risks. It also takes longer to recover from a C-section than from vaginal birth. After healing, the incision may leave a weak spot in the wall of the uterus. This could cause problems with an attempted vaginal birth later. However, more than half of women who have a C-section can give vaginal birth later. Array After a C-section – in the hospital C-section C-section – slideshow Cesarean section Going home after a C-section Vaginal birth after C-section Related Issues Breastfeeding After Cesarean Delivery American Academy of Pediatrics Elective Deliveries Before 39 Weeks of Pregnancy: Information for Moms to Be National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Information for Moms-to-Be about the New Full-Term Pregnancy Definition National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Is a Vaginal Birth Possible After a Cesarean Delivery? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Medications for Pain Relief during Labor and Delivery American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Repeat C-Sections: Is There a Limit? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Scheduling a C-Section March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery: Deciding on a Trial of Labor After a Cesarean Delivery (TOLAC) American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Why at Least 39 Weeks Is Best for Your Baby? March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Start Here C-Section Recovery: What to Expect Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Cesarean Birth American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Cesarean Sections Nemours Foundation Delivery by Cesarean Section American Academy of Pediatrics Having a C-Section March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation What Is a Cesarean Delivery? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Videos and Tutorials Cesarean Section Birth OR-Live Cesarean Section: Recovering After Surgery March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Cesarean Section: The Operation March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Statistics and Research Changes in Cesarean Delivery Rates by Gestational Age: United States, 1996-2011 National Center for Health Statistics FastStats: Births — Method of Delivery National Center for Health Statistics FastStats: Obstetrical Procedures National Center for Health Statistics PeriStats: Perinatal Statistics March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Cesarean Section National Institutes of Health Find an Expert March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Specifics Medical Reasons for a C-Section March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation When Is a Cesarean Delivery Necessary and What Are the Risks? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Journal Articles Cesarean Section NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Understanding Pregnancy and Birth Issues Latest News Repeat C-Section May Have No Long-Term Health Risk for Baby HealthDay
