A cesarean section, or a C-section, is an abdominal operation performed to deliver a baby when a vaginal delivery is not possible or safe. Incisions are made on the mother's abdomen and uterus to remove the baby. 15 to 25% of all U.S. births are by cesarean section.

When is a cesarean section necessary?

A cesarean section is done when certain problems occur in labor, or it may be required medical reasons in which labor is contraindicated.

For many women in labor, the cervix begins to dilate, but may stall before it is fully dilated. Oxytocin, or pitocin, may be administered intravenously to augment labor contractions. Some women may dilate fully, but are unable to push their babies through the birth canal safely. This may happen because the baby is too large for the woman's birth canal.

If at the time of delivery the lowest part of the baby is the face, brow, shoulder, or buttocks (breech), instead of the head, a cesarean section is usually necessary.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Cesarean sections can save lives of newborns and their mother, and prevent the potential complications of delayed vaginal birth. You may avoid some of the pain of labor. You may be able to schedule the time of the delivery.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

The complications are similar to those of any surgery such as:

• Maternal infection
• Maternal or fetal anesthesia complications
• Maternal bleeding
• Accidental injury to the baby, bladder, bowel, or ureter.
• Post-operative phlebitis (infection of the veins in the legs or pelvis) that could cause blood clot, which might move to the lungs and damage them.

Though the likelihood of serious complications from a cesarean section is low, there is a greater chance of complications if the mother has been through a prolonged and difficult labor (over 24 hours).