C-Section
Alternate Names : Abdominal Birth, Abdominal Delivery, Cesarean Section
DefinitionA C-section is the delivery of a baby through an abdominal incision.
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Overview & Description
A C-section delivery is performed when a vaginal birth is not possible or is not safe for the mother or child.
Surgery is usually done while the woman is awake but anesthetized from the chest to the legs by epidural or spinal anesthesia. An incision is made across the abdomen just above the pubic area. The uterus is opened, the amniotic fluid is drained off, and the baby is delivered.
The baby's mouth and nose are cleansed of fluids and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The baby is handed to the pediatrician or nurse who will make sure that he/she is breathing well. The mother is awake and she can hear and see her baby.
Due to a variety of medical and social factors, C-sections have become fairly common (about 24% of all births in the United States in 2001).
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