Most mothers don't picture themselves undergoing a cesarean section when they
think about their delivery. But there are times when a vaginal delivery
may endanger either you or your baby's life and a c-section is your only choice.
Unfortunately, physicians are worried about possible lawsuits and will err to
the side of caution when there may be possible complications during delivery.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about one
in four women in the United States deliver their baby by cesarean section.
Reasons for a Cesarean
Section
Any of these conditions can result in a cesarean delivery:
Mother
If you have had a c-section in the past, you may be a candidate for
future cesareans.
If you have a small pelvis and your baby cannot fit through.
A woman who has any type of health condition that can endanger her
health during labor may have a cesarean section.
A woman who has a health condition that can hurt the baby if delivered
vaginally may have a c-section. Examples are AIDS or an active genital
herpes infection.
Your water has broken and labor has not begun within 24 hours.
Baby
A prolapsed,
pinched or compressed umbilical cord.
If the placenta is covering the cervix, which is called placenta previa,
you will be given a cesarean section.
Fetal distress, such as a decreasing heart rate or lack of oxygen in the
bloodstream.
Some doctors prefer to deliver multiple births by c-section.
A baby that is diagnosed prenatally with a disease or serious health
condition.
