What Is a C-Section?

Also known as a cesarean section, a C-section usually occurs taking into account a baby can't be delivered vaginally and must be surgically removed from the mom's uterus.

Nearly one in three babies is delivered each year via C-section in the United States.

Who Needs a C-Section?

Some C-sections are planned, even if others are emergency C-sections.

The most common reasons for a C-section are:

You are giving birth to multiples
You have tall blood pressure
Placenta or umbilical cord problems
Failure of labor to enlarge
Problems gone the touch of your uterus and/or pelvis
The baby is in breech point of view, or any new position that may contribute to an unsafe delivery
The baby shows signs of have an effect on, including a high heart rate
The baby has a health move around that could cause vaginal delivery to be dangerous
You have a health condition such as HIV or herpes infection that could impinge on the baby
What Happens During a C-Section?

In an emergency, you will compulsion to have general anesthesia.

In a planned C-section, you can often have a regional anesthetic (such as an epidural or spinal block) that will deaden your body from the chest the length of.

A catheter will be placed in your urethra to cut off urine.

You'll be awake during the procedure and may feel some tugging or pulling as the baby is lifted from your uterus.

You'll have two incisions. The first is a transverse incision that is very about six inches long low coarsely your abdomen. It cuts through skin, fat, and muscle.

The second incision will entre the uterus broad enough for the baby to fit through.

Your baby will be lifted out of your uterus and the placenta will be removed in front the doctor stitches in the works the incisions.

After the operation, vague will be suctioned out of your baby's mouth and nose.

You'll be practiced to see and retain your baby shortly after delivery, and you'll be moved to a recovery room and your catheter will be removed soon thereafter.

Recovery

Most women will be required to stay in the hospital for taking place to five nights.

Movement will stomach-suffering and well ahead at first, and you'll maybe be unqualified headache medication initially via an IV and then orally.

Your mammal doings will be limited for four to six weeks after surgery.

Complications

Complications from a C-section are rare, but they may tote going on:

Reactions to anesthetic medications
Bleeding
Infection
Blood clots
Bowel or bladder injuries
Women who have C-sections may be practiced to speak to vaginally in any subsequent pregnancies in a procedure known as a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean).

Too Many C-Sections?

Some critics have charged that too many unnecessary C-sections are performed, especially in the United States.

One in three U.S. women who gave birth in 2011 had the operation, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

A 2014 breakdown by Consumer Reports found that, at some hospitals, as many as 55 percent of uncomplicated births functioning C-sections.

The ACOG released a description in 2014 that customary guidelines for drama C-sections, in the inclusion of preventing unnecessary C-sections.