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Cesarean Delivery
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Cesarean Delivery

A cesarean delivery is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.

What is a cesarean delivery?

A cesarean delivery, also called a cesarean section or c-section, is surgery to deliver a baby. The baby is taken out through your abdomen (belly). In the United States, almost one in three babies are born this way. Some cesarean deliveries are planned, while others are emergency procedures performed when unexpected problems happen during delivery.

When is a cesarean delivery needed?

You may need a cesarean delivery because:

  • You have health problems, including infection
  • You are carrying more than one baby
  • Your baby is too big
  • Your baby is in the wrong position
  • Your baby's health is in danger
  • Labor is not moving along as it should
  • There are problems with your placenta (the organ that brings oxygen and nutrients to your baby)

Not everyone who has had a cesarean delivery before will need another one next time. You may be able to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Talk to your health care provider about what is right for you.

How is a cesarean delivery done?

Before the surgery, you will be given pain medicine. Depending on your circumstances, you might get:

  • Epidural block: Numbs the lower part of the body through an injection in the spine.
  • Spinal block: Numbs the lower part of the body through an injection directly into the spinal fluid.
  • General anesthesia: Makes you unconscious during the surgery; often used during emergency cesarean deliveries.

During the surgery, the surgeon will make a cut in your abdomen and uterus, open the amniotic sac, take out your baby, cut the umbilical cord and the placenta, and close the uterus and abdomen with stitches that will later dissolve.

What are the risks of a cesarean delivery?

A cesarean delivery is relatively safe, but it is a major surgery that carries risks, including:

  • Infection
  • Blood loss
  • Blood clots in the legs, pelvic organs, or lungs
  • Injury to surrounding structures, such as the bowel or bladder
  • A reaction to the medicines or anesthesia used

Recovery from a cesarean delivery takes longer than from a vaginal birth. Additionally, having a cesarean delivery can raise the risk of difficulties with future pregnancies, and the risk increases with the number of cesarean deliveries performed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most women stay in the hospital 2–4 days after surgery. Full recovery of the abdominal incision can take 6–8 weeks. During this time avoid heavy lifting (>10 lb), vigorous exercise, and twisting motions. Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to reduce clot risk, but you should wait for your provider’s clearance before resuming chores, driving, or returning to work.
VBAC can be safe for many women, especially if the previous C‑section was a low transverse uterine incision. Factors that influence eligibility include the reason for the prior C‑section, the type of uterine scar, the number of previous C‑sections, any uterine abnormalities, and your current pregnancy’s health (e.g., baby size, position, placenta location). Your obstetrician will review your medical record and perform an ultrasound to assess the scar and overall risk before recommending a trial of labor.
Signs such as a sudden drop in the baby’s heart rate, severe maternal bleeding, failure of the cervix to dilate after strong contractions, a prolapsed cord, or a baby in a breech or transverse position that cannot be turned may prompt an emergency C‑section. Your care team will monitor fetal heart tones and labor progress continuously to catch these issues early.
Epidural and spinal blocks numb the lower body while the mother stays awake; they carry small risks of low blood pressure, headache, or rare nerve injury. General anesthesia, used mainly for emergencies, makes the mother unconscious and can cause a brief drop in the baby’s heart rate, sore throat, or nausea after surgery. All anesthesia types are closely monitored by an anesthesiologist to minimize complications for both mother and baby.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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