Cesarean Birth

What is it & Why?

• Surgical delivery of a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus

• Performed if a vaginal birth is not possible or safe for birthing person or baby

• About 30% of birthing people in the U.S. will have a Cesarean Birth

• The reasons for a Cesarean fall into three main categories:

  • Planned

    • Breech

    • Transverse

    • Placenta Previa

    • Delivering Multiples

    • Medical Condition

      • Active Herpes Outbreak (suppressive medication may prevent surgical birth)

      • Congenital Heart Defect in Fetus

    • Previous cesarean birth (VBAC may be an option)

1. Unplanned
   (Alternative: Vacuum or Forceps)

   • Fetal Distress

   • Non-progressive labor

   • Malposition of baby

Emergency (Fewer than 1% of all births - very rare)

• Cord Prolapse

• Placental Abruption

• Uterine Rupture

• Severe Fetal Distress

Creating your cesarean birth plan

• C-Section Birth Plan (link/download)