Cesarean Section: What You Need to Know about C-Section

How can I make sense of what I hear about cesarean section and vaginal birth?

• why a c-section might be recommended and how to make a decision that is right for you
• research comparing risks of cesarean section and vaginal birth: summary of lessons from hundreds of studies about risks for mothers and babies - both physical and emotional, as well as shorter- and longer-term effects, including impact on mothers and babies in any future pregnancies
• tips for lowering risk and increasing satisfaction when giving birth, including important steps to take early in pregnancy, and
• vaginal birth and cesarean section resources: websites, books, and organizations for learning more, making choices and making plans
• a look at cesarean trends with graphs and links comparing primary c-section and VBAC
• the rising national cesarean rate and how it has exceeded what the World Health Organization has deemed as safe
• birth charges by location and mode of birth: a revealing look at the high cost of cesarean section.

Why should I learn about how cesarean section compares with vaginal birth?

Is c-section a special concern for certain women?

• If you are expecting your first baby: As a first-time expectant mother, you have the greatest freedom to determine the kind of birth you will have, and the choices you make for this first baby are likely to determine your available options for any future babies. If you have a cesarean for this birth, you probably will have a cesarean for any future babies because it is becoming more difficult to find caregivers and hospitals that support vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). This means that you and your babies will probably face the extra risks of repeated cesareans. However, if your first birth is a vaginal birth, you will almost certainly go on having vaginal births in the future. 
• If you might have more than 2 babies: The likelihood of certain life-threatening complications that could affect you and your future babies goes up as the number of cesareans goes up.
• If you are expecting your first baby in your 30s or beyond: Women having first babies in their 30s are much more likely than younger women to have them by cesarean. Many of these excess c-sections are due to non-medical factors such as the false belief that planned cesarean is safer for babies. Women who are 35 or older also face a higher risk of certain complications of c-sections, such as excessive bleeding or blood clots.
• If you are overweight or obese: Women of size are more likely to have a c-section than women with less body fat. High weight also increases the risk of certain complications of c-sections, especially infections and blood clots.
  
• If you have had previous abdominal or pelvic surgery: Every operation increases the amount of internal scar tissue (adhesions) and therefore the problems adhesions can cause. These problems include chronic pain and a twisted and blocked bowel. In addition, when there are adhesions further surgery is more difficult and more likely to result in injuries to organs or blood vessels.

Will cesarean section protect my pelvic floor from weakness or injury?

What if I have already had a c-section?