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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffCesarean delivery — also known as a C-section — is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen and a second incision in the mother's uterus.
A C-section may be planned ahead of time if you develop pregnancy complications or you've had a previous C-section and aren't considering vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC). Often, however, the need for a first-time C-section doesn't become obvious until labor has already started.
If you're pregnant, knowing what to expect during a C-section — both during the procedure and afterward — can help you prepare.
- 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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