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For the most part, pregnant women and their providers strive for a vaginal delivery. But—occasionally—because of certain medical concerns, a cesarean birth may be safer for moms and their babies.

And since most cesarean births (aka C-sections) arise due to unforeseen medical problems, it's good to know the basics about them, just in case your provider ends up recommending one.

Let's find out more about what's involved with a C-section.

What's a C-section?

A C-section is a surgical operation performed to deliver a baby. C-sections have a couple of different pain management options available:

• General anesthesia. You're not awake during the operation. General anesthesia is typically used only when the C-section is done in an emergency.
• Epidural or spinal block. You're awake but your lower body is numb.

To begin a C-section, the surgeon makes incisions in the mother's abdomen and uterus. Next, the surgeon carefully removes the baby through the incisions. Then the incisions are closed, typically with dissolvable stitches.

Why do some women need a C-section?

Your provider may decide you need a C-section if:

Your labor stops. You may still be having contractions. But they may not be opening the cervix far enough for the baby to pass into the vagina safely. Sometimes medication can help speed up labor. But if that doesn't help, a C-section may be needed.

The baby is too large. The baby may not be able to safely pass through the vagina and pelvic bones.

You are carrying two or more babies. It is possible to have a vaginal birth with twins. But the risks increase with the number of babies.

The baby's in trouble during labor. Your little one's heartbeat might slow down or become irregular. Or they're in the wrong position. Or the umbilical cord may be pinched or compressed. In that case, baby might not be getting enough oxygen and blood flow.

There are problems with the placenta. Your placenta might not be positioned correctly, which could block baby's exit. Or the placenta might not have formed fully or be working correctly. That cuts off baby's supply of oxygen.

You've had a C-section before. It is possible to have a vaginal birth after a C-section. But there is a risk that the uterus will tear or rupture because the uterus is scarred where the initial incision was made.

It only happens less than 1% of the time. But some women and some providers don't want to take that risk.

You have certain medical conditions. Some health problems could affect the safety of a vaginal birth, such as:

• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Infections such as HIV or herpes.

What happens after a cesarean delivery?

Here's a brief look at what to expect after the surgery:

Once your baby has been delivered via C-section, you'll be moved to a recovery room for a short period before settling in your regular room.

If you're awake, you'll probably get to hold your baby right after they're born (you may need to wait a bit if you're still groggy from anesthesia). You can start breastfeeding soon too. Rest assured, the nurses and doctors will take great care of you. And you can have visitors too.

In general, your recovery post-birth will be longer than if you had had a vaginal delivery. A typical hospital stay for a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and total recovery time is around 6 weeks.

A beautiful birth

No matter how babies arrive in this world (whether it's a C-section or vaginal birth), when they show up, it's a moment you'll never forget. So don't stress too much over the possibility of a C-section, mom-to-be.

The important thing is for you to keep your body healthy during pregnancy, but your provider can help you figure out the rest.

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Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American Pregnancy Association; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development; Office on Women's Health

Reviewed 1/9/2024