Cesarean delivery

Cesarean delivery (also known as C-section) is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. It is often performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby or mother at risk. This may be due to illness, complications of pregnancy, or unexpected issues during labor.

History

The term "cesarean" has been believed to be derived from the surgical birth of Julius Caesar, however, this seems to be a myth as his mother lived through his birth and such a procedure would have resulted in her death. The procedure, in fact, has a history that dates back to ancient times and was primarily used to save the child in cases where the mother was dead or dying.

Procedure

A cesarean delivery involves making a surgical incision in the mother's lower abdomen. The doctor then makes a second incision in the uterus. These incisions can be either vertical or horizontal. The baby is then delivered through these incisions. The incisions are then stitched up.

Risks and Complications

While cesarean delivery is generally safe, it does carry a higher risk of complications than vaginal delivery. These can include infection, blood loss, and injury to other organs. There is also a longer recovery period after a cesarean delivery.

Recovery

Recovery from a cesarean delivery typically requires a longer hospital stay than a vaginal birth. Pain in the incision, fatigue, and emotional changes are common after a cesarean delivery.

See Also

• Childbirth
• Vaginal delivery
• Pregnancy

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