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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffSometimes a C-section is safer for you or your baby than is a vaginal delivery. Your health care provider may recommend a C-section if:
- Your labor isn't progressing. Stalled labor is one of the most common reasons for a C-section. Perhaps your cervix isn't opening enough despite strong contractions over several hours — or the baby's head may simply be too big to pass through your birth canal.
- Your baby's heartbeat suggests reduced oxygen supply. If your baby isn't getting enough oxygen or your health care provider is concerned about changes in your baby's heartbeat, he or she may recommend a C-section.
- Your baby is in an abnormal position. A C-section may be the safest way to deliver the baby if his or her feet or buttocks enter the birth canal first (breech) or the baby is positioned side or shoulder first (transverse).
- You're carrying twins, triplets or other multiples. When you're carrying multiple babies, it's common for one or more of the babies to be in an abnormal position. In this case, a C-section is often safer — especially for the second baby.
- There's a problem with your placenta. If the placenta detaches from your uterus before labor begins (placental abruption) or the placenta covers the opening of your cervix (placenta previa), C-section is often the safest option.
- There's a problem with the umbilical cord. A C-section may be recommended if a loop of umbilical cord slips through your cervix ahead of your baby or if the cord is compressed by the uterus during contractions.
- Your baby's head is too large for your birth canal. Some babies are simply too big to safely deliver vaginally.
- You have a health concern. Your health care provider may suggest a C-section if you have a medical condition that could make labor dangerous, such as unstable heart disease or high blood pressure. In other cases, a C-section may be recommended if you have an active genital herpes infection or another condition that your baby might acquire while passing through the birth canal.
- Your baby has a health concern. A C-section is sometimes safer for babies who have certain developmental conditions, such as excess fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus).
- You've had a previous C-section. Depending on the type of uterine incision and other factors, you may be able to attempt a vaginal delivery after a previous C-section. In some cases, however, your health care provider may recommend a repeat C-section.
In addition, some women request C-sections with their first babies — typically to avoid labor or the possible complications of vaginal birth. If you're considering a C-section for your first delivery, work with your health care provider to make the best decision for you and your baby.
References
- Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Preoperative issues. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2010.
- Grant GJ. Anesthesia for cesarean delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2010.
- Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Technique. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2010.
- Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Postoperative issues. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2010.
- Norwitz ER. Cesarean delivery on maternal request. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2010.
- Tita AT, et al. Timing of elective repeat Cesarean delivery at term and neonatal outcomes. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2009;360:111.
- About Cesarean childbirth. American College of Surgeons. http://www.facs.org/public_info/operation/cesarean.pdf. Accessed Aug. 12, 2010.
- Berens P. Overview of postpartum care. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2010.
- ACOG practice bulletin No. 115: Vaginal birth after previous Cesarean delivery. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2010;116:450.
- Pearlstein T, et al. Postpartum depression. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2009;4:357
- You and your baby: Prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/ab005.cfm. Accessed Aug. 12, 2010.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 12, 2010.
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