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A cesarean section involves delivering a baby through an incision in a woman's abdomen and uterus. Approximately 15 percent to 20 percent of U.S. babies are born by cesarean section, a significant increase from the 3 percent to 5 percent rate of 25 years ago.

The potential complications from a cesarean include:

- infections (particularly of the uterus, the nearby pelvic organs, and the incision);
- excessive blood loss;
- complications from the anesthesia;
- blood clots due to decreased mobility after surgery;
- bowel and bladder injuries.

Most caregivers agree that cesareans should be planned only when there's a solid medical reason for avoiding a vaginal delivery. Here are some common reasons:

- The baby is predicted to be too large to pass through your pelvis.
- The baby is in a breech or transverse position.
- You have placenta previa.
- You have an active genital herpes infection.
- You have previously had a cesarean section or certain other types of uterine surgery. Note: Not all women who have previously had a cesarean section are candidates for a repeat cesarean.


What a Cesarean Birth is Like
If your section is planned rather than the result of an obstetrical emergency, you can expect your birth to proceed something like this:

1) You will be given medication to dry the secretions in your mouth and upper airway. You may also be given an antacid.

2) The lower part of your abdomen will be washed and possibly shaved as well.

3) A catheter will be placed in your bladder to keep it empty and to reduce the chances of injury.

4) An intravenous needle will be inserted into a vein for the administering of fluids and medications during your surgery.

5) You will be given an anesthetic (typically an epidural or spinal).
Your abdomen will be washed with antiseptic solution and covered with a sterile drape.

6) A screen will be placed in front of your face to keep the surgical field sterile.

7) Once the anesthetic has had an opportunity to take effect, an incision will be made through the wall of your abdomen and then the wall of your uterus. You will probably feel slight pressure at the incision site, but not any pain.

8 ) The uterine incision is made horizontally and low down on the uterus unless the position of your baby or the placenta demands a vertical cut instead.

9) The amniotic sac will be opened and the amniotic fluid will pour out.
Your baby will be eased out manually or, on occasion, with the aid of forceps or a vacuum extractor. You may feel a slight tugging sensation as well as feelings of pressure.

10) Your baby's nose and mouth will be suctioned. The umbilical cord will be clamped and cut, and the placenta will be removed.

11) The baby's caregiver will assess the baby and perform the Apgar test.

12) Your uterus and abdomen will be stitched up. The stitches in your uterus will dissolve on their own. Your abdominal incision will be closed with stainless-steel staples or nonabsorbent sutures, which can be removed anytime after three or four days, or absorbable sutures below the skin surface, which dissolve on their own.

13) You may have the opportunity to hold your baby in the delivery room.
You will be taken to the recovery room, where your blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate will be monitored, and you will be watched for excessive bleeding and other potential complications. You may be given antibiotics to minimize your chances of infection and will be offered pain medication either via an IV or an injection after the anesthetic wears off.
You will be moved to a room on the postpartum floor. If you are intending to breastfeed, your nurse will show you how to position yourself and your baby to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.

14) Six to eight hours after your surgery, your catheter will be removed and you will be encouraged to get out of bed and move around.

15) You will require intravenous fluids for a day or two until you're able to start eating and drinking.

16) Your doctor will probably prescribe an analgesic.

17) You will be discharged from hospital three to five days after your surgery, and you will be able to resume your normal activities four to six weeks after your baby's birth.


Emergency Cesareans
An emergency cesarean section may be required if, during the course of labour:

- the baby's heart rate becomes irregular, indicating distress;
- the flow of blood and oxygen through the umbilical cord is being excessively restricted;
- the placenta has started to detach from the uterine wall (placental abruption);
- the baby is not moving down into the birth canal because the cervix has stopped dilating or the baby is too large for the mother's pelvis.

A lot of the stuff I've read about C-section is that it actually makes up almost 50% of births. Especially with the increase of "too posh to push" behaviors and "planned c-sections", it seems like a lot of people are using c-sections for convenience instead of medical necessity.

I don't think that a lot of women really understand what a C-section means, especially since it's often downplayed by the media and the starlets who get them.