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Cesarean Section

A Cesarean section (C-Section) is a means of birthing a baby via major abdominal surgery.  There are many reasons a C-section may be performed, but as it is major surgery, all options should be carefully weighed before making a decision.  A description of the surgery along with pictures can be viewed on the Cesarean Section Description page.   

Although Cesareans are sometimes a medically necessary procedure, the circumstances should be looked at carefully before making a decision.  Below are some reasons C-sections are performed. 

Failure to Progress – This means a mother’s cervix has stopped dilating or the contractions are not at a rhythm to successfully open her cervix to the needed 10cm. Typically, augmentation is tried before a C-section is performed in this situation.

Fetal Distress – The baby’s heart rate indicates the baby can not handle the stress of the contractions and it is agreed that cesarean is the safest route for the baby.

Poor Position of the Baby - Baby is footling breech, transverse, or for twin pregnancies one or both babies are not in an optimal position. (For descriptions of fetal positions, please see the Glossary pages).

Cephalo-Pelvic Disproportion (CPD) – The baby’s head is too large and/or the mother’s pelvis is too small.  Remember: the pelvis joints spread during pregnancy and labor to accommodate most babies heads, so just because you may have small hips doesn't’ mean you can’t have a successful vaginal birth.

Problems with the Placenta – The placenta separates from the uterine wall (placental abruption) or the placenta covers part of the cervix (placenta previa).

Prolapsed Cord – The umbilical cord descends through the cervix before the baby’s head, drastically reducing the baby’s oxygen supply.  This is a rare occurrence that necessitates an emergency cesarean section.