Reasons For A Cesarean Section

There are many reasons why a cesarean birth may be the best way to deliver your baby:

A Large Baby
Sometimes a baby is too big to pass safely through the mother's vagina and the surrounding bones (pelvis). This is known as cephalopelvic disproportion. It is normally determined by the size of the baby on ultrasound examination and the size of the pelvis as seen on X-ray, CT scan or MRI pelvimetry.

Multiple Pregnancy
Women having two or more babies may need cesarean birth.

Failure of Labor to Progress
About one-third of cesarean births are done because labor stops.

Concern for the Baby
The baby could be having trouble during labor and may need to be delivered by cesarean birth. One reason may be that the umbilical cord is pinched or compressed or not enough blood is flowing to the baby from the placenta.

Problems with the Placenta
Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta is below the baby and covers part or the entire cervix. This will block the baby's exit from the uterus. Abruption placenta occurs when there is an extensive separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and the fetus is in danger if not delivered immediately. In this situation a cesarean section is done.

Medical Conditions
Women with certain medical conditions are more likely to have a cesarean birth. For example, if a woman has diabetes or high blood pressure. Fetal illnesses or abnormalities can also make labor and vaginal delivery unacceptably risky or traumatic.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Since HIV can be passed from the mother to the fetus during vaginal birth, a cesarean is normally performed. Also, an active herpes infection with evidence of cervical or genital lesions makes a cesarean section necessary.

Previous Cesarean Birth
Sometimes, having had a cesarean birth before can play a part in whether you will need to have one again. Many women, however, who have had a cesarean birth before can try to deliver vaginally. If the reason for the first still exists than a second cesarean is probably possible.

Preeclampsia or Eclampisa
Women who suffer from preeclampsia that doesn’t respond to treatment, a cesarean birth may be necessary to save both the mother and the baby's life.

A Postmature Fetus
If a baby stays in the womb too long, the uterine environment may begin to deteriorate and threaten the health of the baby.

Failure of Labor to Progress
If the baby stops advancing down the birth canal for some reason, it may be necessary to perform a c-section.

Prolapsed Umbilical Cord
If the umbilical cord begins to cut off oxygen to the fetus, causing fetal distress, a cesarean is usually advised.

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