A cesarean section, also called a c-section, is a surgery that allows the birth of a baby through the abdomen when it is impossible or not recommended for birth through the vagina. Sometimes, a cesarean is scheduled in advance, but can also be done in an emergency situation.
Between 25 and 30% of all U.S. births are carried out by caesarean section. The procedure is performed less frequently in other countries: in the Netherlands, in 10% of births, and in England, Wales and Canada, between 15 and 20%.
Why is it performed?
Generally, these surgeries are done because the mother already had a cesarean delivery and the doctor advised him to have another, or because the mother herself rather well.
Whether a cesarean delivery is necessary or not remains a subject of much controversy. The phrase “Once cesarean, always a cesarean” was a typical recommendation and doctors rarely contemplated the possibility that a woman perform labor and vaginal outside. However, in the last 20 years, obstetricians have shown more willingness to consider labor. Many women, but not all, can have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encourages trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) but offers a set of guidelines to better identify those women who could do it and reduce potential complications such as uterine rupture. Approximately one third of women who attempt VBAC will need a cesarean section.
Recently, some experts have questioned whether to perform this surgery when the mother requested and there is no accepted medical or surgical justification for doing it. It is a generally safe procedure, but the risk of serious complications and death during cesarean delivery is 3 to 5 times greater than with vaginal delivery. Still prefer vaginal delivery to cesarean delivery, unless there is a really important reason to perform the surgery.
Several organizations are focusing on reducing the number of cesareans in the United States. The Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) is seeking to reduce first-time cesarean deliveries to 15.5% of all births by 2010. While this recommendation generates debate, is widely recognized that not all C-sections are absolutely necessary and that vaginal delivery offers a number of benefits to both mother and child when the pregnancy is low risk. However, use of caesarean sections for pregnancies at increased risk has caused the birth is much safer for both.
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