Click here to view an animated version of this procedure. In a
cesarean birth (C-section), the baby is delivered through an
incision in the mother's abdomen. In the United States, some
estimates suggest almost half of all births are delivered by
C-section. Reasons for Procedure The following situations may
require a C-section: - Large baby - Pregnancy with twins or more
- Baby is not in a head-down position - Maternal medical
conditions, for example, diabetes , high blood pressure , active
herpes infection, or HIV-positive - Problem with the position of
the placenta - Failure of labor to progress - Baby shows signs
of distress, such as an abnormal heart rate during labor -
Previous cesarean birth - Fetal problems Cesarean birth is a
surgery. There are some risks involved. The estimated risk of a
woman dying after a cesarean birth is extremely small. The risk
of death after a vaginal birth is even smaller. Other risks
include: - Decreased bowel function - Damage to other organs in
the abdomen - Longer hospital