A Cesarean section (C-section) is surgery to deliver a baby. The baby is taken out through the mother's abdomen. In the United States, almost one in three women has their babies this way. Some C-sections are planned, but many are done when unexpected problems happen during delivery. Reasons for a C-section may include Health problems in the mother; The mother carrying more than one baby; The size or position of the baby; The baby's health is in danger; Labor is not moving along as it should. The surgery is relatively safe for mother and baby. Still, it is major surgery and carries risks. It also takes longer to recover from a C-section than from vaginal birth. It can raise the risk of having difficulties with future pregnancies. Some women may have problems attempting a vaginal birth later. Still, many women are able to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Extraction of the fetus by means of abdominal hysterotomy.

Surgical delivery of one or more intrauterine fetuses though an abdominal incision.

(caesarian section) Delivery of a fetus through surgical incisions made through the abdominal wall (laparotomy) and the uterine wall (hysterotomy).

Cesarean delivery is surgical delivery by incision into the uterus. Up to 30% of deliveries in the US are cesarean. The rate of cesarean delivery fluctuates. It has recently increased, partly because of concern about increased risk of uterine rupture in women attempting vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC).

Practice Essentials Cesarean delivery is defined as the delivery of a fetus through surgical incisions made through the abdominal wall (laparotomy) and the uterine wall (hysterotomy). Essential update: ACOG/SMFM guidelines released for prevention of primary cesarean delivery The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)...

Cesarean delivery (C-section) is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus.

Cesarean section, surgical removal of a fetus from the uterus through an abdominal incision. Little is known of either the origin of the term or the history of the procedure. According to ancient sources, whose veracity has been challenged, the procedure takes its name from a branch of the ancient...