Caesarean section
Surgical delivery of babies through the mother's abdomen.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
A Caesarean section (C-section) is a surgical operation where a baby is delivered through a cut made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Doctors typically recommend it when a vaginal birth might endanger the life or health of the mother or child. Common reasons include a blocked labor, a twin pregnancy, high blood pressure in the mother, a baby in a breech or shoulder-first position, or issues with the placenta or umbilical cord. The decision may also depend on the shape of the mother’s pelvis or if she has had a previous C-section; in some cases, a trial of vaginal birth after a prior C-section is possible. The World Health Organization advises that C-sections should only be done when medically necessary.
The procedure usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour. It can be performed under a spinal block, which keeps the woman awake, or under general anesthesia. A catheter drains the bladder, and the abdomen is cleaned with antiseptic. A cut about 15 cm (5.9 inches) long is made in the lower abdomen, followed by a second incision in the uterus to deliver the baby. The incisions are then stitched closed. A woman can typically start breastfeeding as soon as she is awake and out of the operating room. Recovery in the hospital usually takes several days before she can go home.
In low-risk pregnancies, C-sections lead to a small overall increase in poor outcomes. Healing generally takes about six weeks, which is longer than after a vaginal birth. Risks include breathing problems in the baby, as well as amniotic fluid embolism and postpartum bleeding in the mother. Guidelines recommend that C-sections not be performed before 39 weeks of pregnancy without a medical reason. The method of delivery does not seem to affect later sexual function.
Globally, about 23 million C-sections were performed in 2012. The international healthcare community once considered a rate of 10% to 15% ideal, though some evidence suggests a rate of 19% may lead to better outcomes. More than 45 countries have C-section rates below 7.5%, while over 50 have rates above 27%. Efforts aim to both improve access to and reduce unnecessary use of the procedure. In the United States, about 32% of deliveries were by C-section as of 2017.
The surgery has been performed at least since 715 BC, but historically it was done only after the mother’s death, with the baby occasionally surviving. A popular myth cla
- first recorded successful case
- 1500, Switzerland, performed by Jacob Nufer
- typical duration
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- global number in 2012
- about 23 million
- US rate as of 2017
- about 32%
- recommended rate by WHO
- only when medically necessary
- healing time
- about six weeks
Lore & Background
The procedure has been performed at least as far back as 715 BC, following the death of the mother, with the baby occasionally surviving. A popular idea links the name to Julius Caesar, but this is likely based on a misconception, as C-sections were invariably fatal to the mother until the modern era, and Caesar's mother Aurelia survived his birth. The first recorded successful C-section where both mother and infant survived was allegedly performed in Switzerland in 1500 by Jacob Nufer, though not recorded until eight decades later. With the introduction of antiseptics and anesthetics in the 19th century, survival rates improved significantly.
Reader's Guide
Caesarean section is a critical medical intervention when vaginal delivery poses risks, such as obstructed labor, twin pregnancy, high blood pressure, breech birth, or placenta problems. The World Health Organization recommends it only when medically necessary. The procedure typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, involves a spinal block or general anesthesia, and requires about six weeks to heal. In low-risk pregnancies, C-sections result in a small overall increase in poor outcomes, including breathing problems in the baby and amniotic fluid embolism in the mother. The international healthcare community has considered a rate of 10–15% ideal, though some evidence supports 19% for better outcomes. As of 2017, about 32% of US deliveries are by C-section. Efforts are made to both improve access and reduce unnecessary use.
Did You Know?
- A C-section typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
- The first recorded successful C-section where both mother and infant survived was allegedly performed in Switzerland in 1500 by Jacob Nufer.
- In 2012, about 23 million C-sections were done globally.
- The risk of death for the mother in low-risk cases is 13 per 100,000 for C-sections versus 3.5 per 100,000 for vaginal birth in the developed world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Caesarean section?
A Caesarean section is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. It is carried out when a standard vaginal birth would pose a danger to the mother or the infant.
Why would a doctor recommend a Caesarean section?
Common triggers include a stalled labor, a breech or shoulder-first baby, placental or umbilical-cord complications, dangerously high maternal blood pressure, or a multiple pregnancy. The mother's pelvic anatomy or a prior C-section can also tip the decision toward surgery.
How long does the surgery itself take?
From the first cut to the final closure, the operation generally runs between forty-five minutes and one hour.
When was the first successful Caesarean section on record?
The earliest documented successful case dates to 1500 in Switzerland, performed by a practitioner named Jacob Nufer.
How long is recovery after a Caesarean section?
Most mothers need roughly six weeks for the abdominal and uterine incisions to heal before they can resume normal physical activity.
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