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Labor & delivery

Cesarean section

Cesarean section, or c-section, is the surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the walls of the abdomen and uterus. There are several indications for c-section including failure to progress, failed induction of labor, abnormal uterine contractions, eclampsia, diabetes, heart disease, previous uterine rupture, previous classic (vertical incision) cesarean section, fibroids, fetal distress, breech presentation, or placental abruption.

There are two main types of c-section:

Low transverse cesarean
The low-transverse procedure is performed the majority of time as it does not involve an incision in the uterine muscle wall, but rather in the fibrous lower segment of the uterus. This reduces the risk of bleeding, infection, bowel adhesions, and may allow the mother to deliver a second pregnancy vaginally.

Classic cesarean
This involves making an incision vertically (up and down) through the muscle wall of the uterus. There are still some strong indications for the use of classic c-section such as a premature fetus, certain fetal presentations, uterine fibroids, or cervical cancer. Although this technique can make it easier to deliver the baby, the risk of future complications is higher, and would preclude vaginal delivery of subsequent pregnancies.

Risks associated with cesarean delivery
There is an increased risk of maternal complications with c-section over vaginal delivery, generally due to the risks of anesthesia and surgery such as pneumonia, bleeding, infection, and injury to other organs such as the bladder or bowel.

Your obstetrician will advise you on the need for a cesarean section taking into consideration the risks and benefits for you and your baby. Your clinician is best prepared to answer specific questions you may have about the need for cesarean section.