Every pregnant woman hopes for a short labor and delivery with
no complications — manageable contractions, some pushing, then a
beautiful baby — but it doesn't always work out that way. These
days, about 30% of all babies in the United States are delivered
via cesarean section (C-section). Even if you're envisioning a
traditional vaginal birth, it may help to ease some fears to
learn why and how C-sections are performed, just in case
everything doesn't go as planned. What Is a C-Section? A
C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby that involves
making incisions in the mother's abdominal wall and uterus.
Generally considered safe, C-sections do have more risks than
vaginal births. Plus, you can come home sooner and recover
quicker after a vaginal delivery. However, C-sections can help
women at risk for complications avoid dangerous delivery-room
situations and can save the life of the mother and/or baby when
emergencies occur. C-sections are done by obstetricians (doctors
who care for pregnant women before,