A C-section, or caesarean section, is the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the mother’s stomach and uterus.
In certain circumstances, a C-section is scheduled in advance. In others, it’s done in response to an unforeseen complication. The following are some of the reasons why you may have to give birth via a cesarean section;
- You’ve had a previous caesarean section.
- You’re carrying more than one baby. Some twins can be delivered vaginally, but most of the time multiples require a c-section.
- Your baby is expected to be very large a condition known as ‘macrosomia’.
- your baby is in a breech (bottom first) or transverse (sideways) position.
- You have placenta previa (i.e. the placenta is so low in the uterus that it covers the cervix). You should note that if you plan to have more children, each c-section increases your future risk of these complications as well as placenta previa and placenta accreta.
- You have an obstruction, such as a large fibroid, that would make a vaginal delivery difficult or impossible.
- The baby has a known malformation or abnormality that would make a vaginal birth risky, such as some cases of open neural tube defects.
- You’re HIV-positive, and blood tests done near the end of pregnancy show that you have a high viral load.
- You may need to have an emergency caesarean section if problems arise that make continuing or inducing labour dangerous to you or your baby.
You should note that not all caesarean sections can or should be prevented. In some situations, a c-section is necessary for the well-being of the mother, the baby, or both. In fact or some pregnant women and their babies, a caesarean section is safer than vaginal birth.
If your doctor has said you will be giving birth via a caesarean section, ask him exactly why he is recommending a c-section. Also talk about the possible risks and advantages for you and your baby in your particular situation.
