Cesarean section, C-section, or Cesarean birth is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Health care providers use it when they believe it is safer for the mother, the baby, or both. The incision made in the skin may be: Up-and-down (vertical).
C-section is performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, such as a spinal or epidural block. You doctor makes an incision in your abdomen which may be vertical or horizontal (side-to-side). Underlying muscles are separated. Another similar incision is made in the wall of the uterus.
You won't feel any pain during the C-section, although you may feel sensations like pulling and pressure. Most women are awake and simply numbed from the waist down using regional anesthesia (an epidural and/or a spinal block) during a C-section. That way, they are awake to see and hear their baby being born.
The entire C-section lasts about 25 to 60 minutes, and recovery takes longer than with vaginal delivery. You'll likely stay in the hospital for two-four days afterwards. As with every surgery, complications are possible, including infection, blood clots, or excessive bleeding.
