A C-section, or Cesarean section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. The procedure is typically performed when vaginal delivery would be unsafe or when there are complications that make vaginal delivery difficult or impossible.
C-sections can be planned or unplanned. Planned C-sections are typically scheduled in advance if there are known risk factors, such as a previous C-section, placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix), or certain medical conditions. Unplanned C-sections may be necessary during labor if there are concerns about the baby’s health or if labor is not progressing normally.
During the procedure, the mother is given anesthesia to numb the lower half of the body, and the doctor makes an incision in the abdomen and uterus. The baby is then delivered through the incision, and the doctor removes the placenta and closes the incisions with sutures or staples.
While C-sections are generally safe, they are considered major surgery and carry some risks, including infection, bleeding, and blood clots. Women who have had C-sections may also be at risk for complications in future pregnancies, such as placenta previa, uterine rupture, and problems with the placenta attaching to the uterus.
