C-Sections: What They Are and Why They Are Performed

If you are a first-time mother-to-be, you may have heard the term C-Section, or are a bit concerned about the term and what it means.

C-Section is short for Cesarean section, and it refers to the procedure of surgically delivering a baby rather than going through a natural vaginal birth. It involves making a cut in the mother’s abdomen and uterus to remove the baby. The term Cesarean comes from the Latin word “caedare”, which means to cut.

Why are C-Sections performed? It is usually a medical decision, when a doctor determines that a C-Section is safer for the mother or baby. There are a variety of conditions that could pose a threat to the mother and baby with a vaginal birth, including an awkward positioning of the baby in the uterus; an unusually large baby or two or more babies; an unusual heartbeat in the baby; problems with labor; or medical conditions the mother may have, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Some of the conditions indicating a C-Section are known in advance, so the procedure can be planned ahead of time – like the baby’s position in the uterus, or a mother’s high blood pressure. Others may become evident in the delivery room, like the baby’s heart rate, or a difficult labor, which can call for a quick decision to do a C-Section

C-Sections have become very common. About one in three births in the U.S. are by C-Section, up from one in 20 about 40 years ago. At least part of the increase comes from women opting for the procedure for convenience – they have no medical reason for the procedure, but may want to avoid labor and be able to schedule the birth date. Doctors typically don’t recommend this, however.

While C-Sections are relatively safe, there are risks involved in the surgical procedure, as there are in any major surgical procedure. They include the possibility of infection, blood clots or unusual bleeding, and reaction to medications used with the surgery

Recovery from a C-Section takes a bit longer than from a vaginal birth. Limited activity and lifting for a couple weeks after the procedure is recommended.

Talk to your health care provider about C-Sections and research them if you think you may need or want to deliver your baby by Cesarean. Either birth method is extremely rewarding if it results in a healthy baby!