Cesarean Childbirth

Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures Slideshow of Early Pregnancy Symptoms Early Pregnancy Symptoms Quiz

Medical Author:

Harish M Sehdev, MD

Coauthor:

Ram Duriseti, MD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

View Full Profile

• Cesarean Childbirth Overview
• Cesarean Childbirth Causes
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Cesarean Childbirth Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Read more on Cesarean Childbirth from Healthwise

Cesarean Childbirth Overview

Cesarean delivery, also known as cesarean section, is a major abdominal surgery involving 2 incisions (cuts): One is an incision through the abdominal wall and the second is an incision involving the uterus to deliver the baby. While at times absolutely necessary, especially in emergencies or for the safety of the mother or the baby, cesarean childbirth is not a procedure to be undertaken lightly by the doctor or the expectant mother. During the surgical delivery, if not an emergency, the woman may be awake but numb from the chest to the legs.

• History: Legend has it that the Roman leader Julius Caesar was delivered by this operation, and the procedure was named after him. However, Caesar's mother lived many years after his birth, and at that time, the operation most likely caused death in the mother. In addition, no mention is made of this procedure prior to the Middle Ages; therefore, Caesar’s contribution to the naming of this operation is practically impossible. The most likely origin for the term is in reference to a Roman law created in the 8th century BC that ordered the procedure in the last few weeks of a pregnancy in dying women to save the child's life.

• How often used: The rate for cesarean delivery increased steadily from 4.5% in 1965 to 21% in 1998. Since then, the rate has either remained unchanged or declined slightly. Overall, with improvements in anesthesia, pain control, and antibacterial techniques, serious complications from birth through cesarean section have fallen dramatically in the last 30 years.