Cesarean section

Cesarean section, also called c-section, refers to the delivery of a baby by means of a surgical procedure carried out in the operation theatre. It involves making a surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus to enable the delivery of the baby.

The doctor may decide upon a cesarean in cases where a natural birth might involve risks to either mother or child. Even if your spouse has been expecting a normal delivery, a complication at the time of childbirth may require the doctor to carry out a cesarean. Or it may even be that your spouse herself, in consultation with her obstetrician, may opt to have a cesarean.

A cesarean section may be decided upon in the following cases:

• If the mother has already had a cesarean delivery before
   
  
• If her birth canal is obstructed due to physical reasons
  
  
  
• If she has herpes or other infections that could affect the baby
  
  
  
• If she has placental abnormalities
  
  
  
• If she is carrying twins, triplets or multiple births

A cesarean delivery may also be required in the following emergencies:

• If labor does not progress normally
  
  
  
• If the baby does not seem to be responding to the onset of labor
  
  
  
• If the baby is in breach position, and cannot be turned successfully
  
  
  
• If bleeding in the vagina indicates development of placental abnormalities
  
  
  
• If the umbilical cord has prolapsed into the vagina