Caesarean section

A caesarean section (cesarean section AE), or C-section, is a form of childbirth in which a surgical incision is made through a mother's abdomen (laparotomy) and uterus (hysterotomy) to deliver one or more babies. It is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would lead to medical complications.

Prevalence

The World Health Organisation estimates that the rate of caesarian sections at between 10% and 15% of all births in developed countries compared to about 20% in the United Kingdom and 23% in the United States. In 2003, the Canadian caesarian section rate was 21%, with regional variations.

Related Topics:
World Health Organisation - United Kingdom - United States

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Concerns have been raised in recent years that the procedure is frequently performed for reasons other than medical necessity. For instance, critics worry that caesareans are performed because they are profitable for the hospital, or because a quick caesarian is more convenient for an obstetrician than a lengthy vaginal birth. Organisations have been formed to make the public aware of caesarean operations and their dramatically increased incidence. Attendance by a midwife and out-of-hospital labor are associated with much lower rates of caesarean section, when controlled for all relevant maternal and fetal indicators.

Related Topics:
Midwife - Fetal

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