
Cesarean delivery, or C-section, is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through incisions on the abdomen and uterus.
During a C-section, your organs are usually just moved aside so that the doctor can see your uterus better. But the organs stay within the abdominal cavity and aren’t taken out. In rare cases, the intestines may be temporarily lifted out for better visualization and space to operate, but not permanently.
When is cesarean delivery recommended?
C-sections can be planned ahead of time if there are anticipated childbirth complications or if the mother has had a previous cesarean delivery (elective cesarean delivery). Sometimes, if vaginal delivery fails or complications arise during labor, an emergency cesarean delivery may be performed.
Doctors may also recommend cesarean delivery in the following cases:
- Stalled labor: If labor does not progress, usually because the cervix doesn’t dilate enough despite intense contractions for several hours.
- Baby is in distress: If the baby’s heart rate changes or there is meconium staining in the amniotic fluid. Meconium is the first stool the baby passes after birth. However, if in distress, the baby can pass the meconium while still in the uterus, inhale it, and develop lung complications as a result.
- Twin pregnancy: If the mother is pregnant with multiple babies, such as twins or triplets.
- Baby is in an abnormal position: If the baby’s feet or buttocks present at the birth canal first (breech) or the baby is positioned side or shoulder first (transverse).
- Abnormal position of the placenta: If the placenta is covering the opening of the cervix (placenta previa).
- Prolapsed umbilical cord: If the loop of the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of the baby.
- Maternal health conditions: If the mother has serious health problems, such as a heart or brain conditions, active genital herpes infection, or other sexually transmitted infections.
- Mechanical obstruction: If there is a large uterine fibroid obstructing the birth canal, displaced pelvic fracture in the mother, or the baby has an unusually large head (hydrocephalus).
- Previous cesarean delivery: If the mother has had a previous C-section. Depending on the type of uterine incision and other factors, the doctor may recommend another cesarean delivery.
How is cesarean delivery performed?
Most cesarean deliveries are done under regional anesthesia, which numbs the lower half of the body. So the mother will be able to remain awake during the procedure but not experience pain during it. Sometimes general anesthesia may be required if there is an emergency.
During a C-section, the abdomen is cleansed and a catheter placed in the bladder to collect urine (it’s removed 24-48 hours after delivery). The incision is usually made horizontally over the lower abdomen and uterus, although in rare cases a vertical incision may be made between the umbilicus and the uterus (this is called a classical incision).
Once the baby and placenta are delivered and the bleeding is controlled, the incision is closed in layers. The mother and baby are usually discharged from the hospital in 3-5 days unless there are other complications.
What are complications of cesarean delivery?
Cesarean delivery, like any surgical procedure, comes with some risks compared to vaginal delivery. However, in many cases, cesarean delivery is safer for the mother and baby. Women who undergo cesarean delivery may take more time to recover than women who have a normal delivery.
Complications of cesarean delivery include:
- Infection (infection of the uterus lining, also called endometritis)
- Postpartum bleeding
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Wound infection
- Surgical injury to surrounding organs
- Increased risks during future pregnancies

SLIDESHOW
Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See SlideshowWhen is a cesarean hysterectomy needed?
In some cases, a hysterectomy may be needed after cesarean delivery to save the mother’s life. It is usually unplanned and performed only performed when other conservative treatment options fail or are not available
Cesarean hysterectomy is usually necessary in the following conditions:
- Abnormal placentation: In abnormal placentation, the placenta fails to separate from the underlying uterine tissue. Risk factors for abnormal placentation include previous uterine surgeries and previous cesarean delivery. Abnormal placentation may be detected prior to delivery based on ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests or a history of risk factors. It can also be detected at the time of delivery.
- Postpartum hemorrhage: Postpartum hemorrhage or bleeding usually occurs when the muscular layer of the uterus fails to contract, also called uterine atony. The doctor may attempt other less invasive techniques to control the bleeding, such as medications, balloon tamponade, uterine/iliac artery ligation (tying of the blood vessels) on both sides, or compression sutures. When all other measures have failed, a hysterectomy may be performed. This is because if there is significant blood loss after delivery, the mother could develop a condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which causes widespread, uncontrolled bleeding from different parts of the body. DIC usually requires multiple transfusions with multiple blood products and is potentially fatal.
- Tumors of the uterus or cervix: If the mother has been diagnosed with cancerous or noncancerous tumors in the uterus or cervix after getting pregnant, a cesarean hysterectomy may be performed to help limit the spread of cancer. Other treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, may be required along with surgery as well.
Following a hysterectomy, a woman is no longer fertile and hence, would never be able to get pregnant again. Therefore, cesarean hysterectomy is usually only performed as a last resort.
Health News
- Attachment Theory: What It Is, Stages & the Different Attachment Styles
- Gentle Parenting: What It Is, Techniques & Discipline
- U.S. Nursing Homes Fail to Report Many Serious Falls, Bedsores: Study
- The Younger You Get Diabetes, the Higher Your Risk for Dementia Later
- FDA Grants Full Approval to Paxlovid to Treat COVID-19
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Louis HS. What Steps Are Performed in a Cesarean Delivery (C-Section)? Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/answers/263424-184926/what-steps-are-performed-in-a-cesarean-delivery-c-section
Medscape. Complications of Cesarean Deliveries. https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/512946_4
Birsner ML. Cesarean Hysterectomy Technique. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1848201-technique
National Institutes of Health. What Are Some Common Complications During Labor and Delivery? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/labor-delivery/topicinfo/complications
World Health Organization, ed. Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth: A Guide for Midwives and Doctors. 2nd ed. https://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/managing-complications-pregnancy-childbirth/en/
Milton SH. Normal Labor and Delivery. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/260036-overview
Hutchison J, Mahdy H, Hutchison J. Stages of Labor. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544290/
Top Do They Take Out Your Organs During C-Section? Related Articles
Childbirth Delivery Methods and Types
Learn about the pros and cons of various childbirth methods, such as the Bradley method, C-section, natural childbirth, water birth, Lamaze, and vaginal delivery. Read about birthing centers, hospital and home births, midwives, and doulas.Can You Have a Hysterectomy With C-Section?
Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may be performed during Cesarean delivery and is referred to as a Cesarean hysterectomy. It involves the removal of the uterus at the time of Cesarean delivery.What Is the Difference Between a Total and Radical Hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It is the second most commonly performed surgery in non-pregnant women. A total hysterectomy involves the removal of the whole uterus and cervix, whereas a radical hysterectomy is the removal of the whole uterus and its adjacent tissues (ligaments), cervix and some part of the vagina.Exercise & Pregnancy
Pregnancy exercises and workouts for moms-to-be include Kegel exercises and prenatal yoga. A prenatal workout is an important part of healthy living. Try these safe exercises for pregnancy.Is There Any Way to Have a Baby After a Hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus (also known as the womb). Hence, a woman who has had a hysterectomy cannot have babies in the normal way. However, with the development of research in medical science, a couple may have a baby after a hysterectomy via surrogacy or uterus transplantation.Human Body Quiz
The Human Body Quiz will help you learn about your little-known body parts! Take this quiz to learn more about your body and what goes on inside.Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed. There are a variety of surgical techniques for performing hysterectomies, which include vaginal hysterectomy, total hysterectomy, laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), supracervical hysterectomy, laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, and oophorectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy hysterectomies.
Complications include infection, pain, and bleeding. The type of hysterectomy performed is dependent on the woman and the reason for the procedure.
Labor and Delivery
Early and later symptoms and signs of labor and delivery are unique to each woman. Early signs of labor are "lightning" and passing the mucus plug. Later symptoms and signs that labor that labor is are the woman's water breaking, and when contractions begin. There are three stages of labor, stage 1 is the longest and occurs when the cervix begins to thin and dilate. During stage 2 of labor the baby passes through the birth canal and remains there until delivery, and stage 3, is when the baby is delivered.Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH)
Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) is a surgical procedure using a laparoscope to guide the removal of the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes and ovaries through the vagina. During LAVH, the uterus is detached from the ligaments that attach it to other structures in the pelvis using laparoscopic tools. If the Fallopian tubes and ovaries are to be removed, they are also detached from their ligaments and blood supply. The organs and tissue are then removed through an incision made in the vagina.Why Is Normal Delivery Not Possible After Cesarean Delivery?
A vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) is possible for many women, but it depends on many factors. Insisting on VBAC may put both you and your baby at risk; hence, you need to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.Stages of Pregnancy: Week by Week
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of how her baby grows during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.Pregnancy: 7 Common Third Trimester Tests
Testing is often recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy. These tests are designed to ensure the health and safety of both the child and mother. Common tests during the third trimester of a woman's pregnancy include:- group B streptococcus screening,
- electronic fetal heart monitoring,
- nonstress test,
- contraction stress test, and
- a biophysical profile.
What Is More Painful C-section or Natural Birth?
Ultimately, a natural birth may be more painful than a cesarean section. However, the pain after your cesarean section combined with the heightened risks to you and your baby may outweigh the initial pain of childbirth.