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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Caesarean delivery — also known as a C-section — is a surgical procedure used to deliver your baby through an incision in your abdomen. Some C-sections are planned due to pregnancy complications or because you've had a previous C-section. But, in many cases, the need for a first-time C-section doesn't become obvious until labor has already started. Knowing what to expect during the procedure and recovery can help you prepare.

Why it's done
References
  1. Berghella V. Patient information: Cesarean delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  2. Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Postoperative issues. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  3. Risks of a Cesarean procedure. American Pregnancy Association. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/cesareanrisks.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  4. Reasons for a Cesarean birth. American Pregnancy Association. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/reasonsforacesarean.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  5. Creating a positive Cesarean experience. American Pregnancy Association. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/positivecesarean.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  6. Landon MB. Cesarean delivery. In: Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/102752869-3/0/1528/181.html?tocnode=54291973&fromURL=181.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06930-7..50021-9_954. Accessed June 23, 2008.
  7. Kennare R, et al. Risks of adverse outcomes in the next birth after a first cesarean delivery. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2007;109(2):270-276.
  8. Daltveit AK, et al. Cesarean delivery and subsequent pregnancies. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2008:111(6):1327-1334.
  9. Sun C. Post-lumbar puncture headache. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 22, 2008.
  10. Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Preoperative issues. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.
  11. About Cesarean childbirth. American College of Surgeons. http://www.facs.org/public_info/operation/cesarean.pdf. Accessed Sept. 9, 2008.
  12. Cesarean birth after care. American Pregnancy Association. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/cesareanaftercare.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2008.
  13. Cesarean procedure. American Pregnancy Association. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/cesareanprocedure.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2008.
  14. Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Technique. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.
  15. Prevention of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria among pregnant and postpartum women and their infants: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5704a1.htm. Accessed Sept. 22, 2008.
  16. Is it possible to breastfeed after a Cesarean birth? La Leche League. http://www.llli.org//FAQ/cesarean.html. Accessed Sept. 5, 2008.
  17. Grant GJ. Anesthesia for cesarean delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.
  18. Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 9, 2009.
  19. Tita AT, et al. Timing of elective repeat Cesarean delivery at term and neonatal outcomes. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2009;360:111.

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Jan. 20, 2009

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