Cesarean birth, also known as c-section, is a surgical procedure that allows the baby to be born through the mother’s abdomen.

There are several reasons why a cesarean birth may be necessary:

• Failure of labor to progress.  Labor slows or has stopped, causing the mother’s cervix not to open enough.
• Baby shows signs of distress, such as an abnormal heart rate during labor.
• Problems with the placenta.
• Multiple pregnancy, carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, etc.).
• Breech presentation, baby is positioned feet & bottom first.
• Previous cesarean birth.
• The baby is larger than mother’s birth canal.
• Other medical conditions.

C-section is considered major surgery and carries risks such as more bleeding, chance of infection, and longer healing time making it difficult for a new mom to care for her baby.