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Definition

A cesarean birth (C-section) is the delivery of a baby through an incision in the belly wall.

Cesarean Delivery Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

A C-section may be done in these situations:

• Prior C-section birth
• Pregnancy with more than 1 baby
• Failure of labor to progress
• The baby shows signs of distress, such as an abnormal heart rate during labor
• A large baby
• The baby is not in a head-down position
• Health problems in the mother, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, active herpes infection, or HIV infection
• A problem with the position of the placenta
• Changes in the fetus

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

• Excess bleeding
• Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Damage to other organs in the belly
• The need for more surgeries. Can include a hysterectomy, bladder repair, or repeat C-sections with future pregnancies

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Prior C-section birth
• Prior surgery of the uterus
• Abnormal placenta
• Obesity
• Smoking

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

• Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
• Excess bleeding, redness, swelling, increasing pain, or discharge from the incision
• Pain that you cannot control with medicine
• Swelling and pain in 1 or both legs
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.