A caesarean section is a procedure in which a baby is delivered by cutting through the front wall of the abdomen to open the womb.
Approximately 20% of babies born in the UK are delivered by caesarean section because there may be a potential or urgent medical risk to mother or baby.
A caesarean section is indicated when there is a significant risk to the health of the mother or baby if the operation is not performed at a given time.
It can be performed as:
- A planned procedure, when the medical need for the operation becomes apparent during the pregnancy.
- An emergency procedure, when circumstances during labour call for urgent delivery of the baby.
- An elective procedure, based on personal choice rather than as a result of medical risk.
The principal clinical reasons for performing a caesarean section are:
- There is a danger to the unborn baby.
- Failure to progress with the labour.
- Breech (bottom or feet first) presentation.
- The mother has had a previous caesarean section.
