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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
This obstetrics related article is a stub.
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