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A cesarean section, also called a C-section, is the optimum means of delivering a baby when a vaginal birth is impossible or when such a birth would put the mother or baby at risk.

• In this procedure, an incision is made in the woman's lower abdomen, often below the bikini line. The uterus is then opened and the baby and the afterbirth are withdrawn. The mother is then sewn up. The mother will be sent to the recovery room to be monitored until the anesthetic wears off.

• 10-25% of all babies are delivered via a cesarean.

In some instances, a woman will know that she is going to have a cesarean well before she goes into labor. This is often done when there are a high number of multiples. It may also be done when it is known in advance that a vaginal birth would put the mother or the baby at risk, such as when the mother has a preexisting medical condition. A cesarean will also be performed if the mother cannot deliver the baby vaginally due to scar tissue or other physical impediment.

• Pre-planned cesareans are normally performed before the onset of actual labor.

In many instances, a cesarean is done on an emergency basis.

• This can happen when the woman goes into labor but fails to dilate fully
• In cases of fetal distress
• If the baby is a breech or otherwise 'stuck'
• If the labor is not progressing (Cephalopelvic Disproportion)
• If the mother begins to hemorrhage
• Or in cases where there are problems with the placenta.

Cesareans have become a routine surgical procedure, and one is often performed at the first sign of trouble or difficulty. This relieves the mother of unnecessary pain and stress and makes the birthing process easier on the baby. Despite being a routine procedure, it is still major abdominal surgery and there are a number of risks associated with the procedure.

• During a cesarean, the mother is subjected to a general or regional anesthetic such as an epidural. In either case, there is the risk of the mother having an adverse reaction to whatever anesthetic is used.
• The mother can suffer an internal hemorrhage.
• There is a risk of blood clots forming.
• Other organs, such as the bladder, may be damaged during the procedure.
• The uterus can be weakened by the procedure, which may impede your ability to carry another baby to term.
• There is also a risk that scar tissue will build up along the incision site that can cause physical and reproductive problems. This can include the necessity of having a cesarean for all future births. Scar tissue may also make intercourse painful.
• There is a risk of infection.
• The baby may be injured.
• The mother may die. Statistically 20 out of every 100,000 mothers die from having a cesarean.

It is understood that in an emergency, all bets are off and if a cesarean is needed to save the life of the mother or baby, the level of risk becomes less important.

• Talk to your doctor about the reasons that might make a cesarean necessary, and about the risks. This will help prepare you if a situation arises where you have to have a cesarean performed.

Unless there were complications during the surgery, most women recover quickly from a cesarean. Usually you will be kept in the hospital for only a couple of days longer than you would be for a vaginal birth.

Once home, you may want to spend a couple of days in bed before returning to a semi-normal routine. You will need to avoid lifting anything heavy or engaging in strenuous activities for 6-8 weeks or until the incision has healed.

• Normally there is some pain and discomfort in the area of the incision.
• For the most part, the only real post-operative care involves insuring that the wound remains clean. If the wound becomes very red or inflamed, or if it begins to look pussy or if there is a discharge, you should call your doctor. As well, if you experience a great deal of pain, you should contact your doctor.
• Also call your doctor if you get dizzy, faint, have trouble breathing, develop a fever, or if you begin to vomit.