Childbirth Problems—Cesarean Section

Also called: C-section

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, almost one in three women has their babies this way. Some C-sections are planned, but many are done when unexpected problems happen during delivery. Reasons for a C-section may include

Health problems in the mother
The mother carrying more than one baby
The size or position of the baby
The baby’s health is in danger
Labor is not moving along as it should

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. It can raise the risk of having difficulties with future pregnancies. Some women may have problems attempting a vaginal birth later. Still, many women are able to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

After a C-section – in the hospital (Medical Encyclopedia)
C-section (Medical Encyclopedia)
Going home after a C-section (Medical Encyclopedia)
Vaginal birth after C-section (Medical Encyclopedia)

While childbirth usually goes well, complications can happen. They can cause a risk to the mother, baby, or both. Possible complications include

Preterm (premature) labor, when labor starts before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy
Problems with the umbilical cord
Problems with the position of the baby, such as breech, in which the baby is going to come out feet first
Birth injuries

For some of these problems, the baby may need to be delivered surgically by a Cesarean section.