During pregnancy, it's natural to wonder what your birth experience will be like. Most women can and will deliver their babies vaginally. For varying reasons, a few will have their babies by Cesarean section. A Cesarean section is an operation. The baby is born through a surgical incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus.

Your doctor may decide to deliver your baby by Cesarean section for the following reasons:
* If the baby has grown so large that he can't fit through your pelvic bones.
* If the baby is showing signs of stress.
* If the baby is not in a safe position to be born vaginally. Babies in some breech positions with their bottom or feet coming first can be safely born vaginally. Babies in other positions, especially if their arm or shoulder are first, must be delivered by cesarean.
* If the placenta is attached low in the uterus, blocking the birth canal.
* If you are experiencing severe pregnancy complications. In some women, pregnancy can cause extremely high blood pressure that is not healthy for either mother or baby. Diabetes can cause severe health problems in pregnancy. Cesarean section may also be necessary if you have a serious infection or injury.
* If you had a previous Cesarean section and the incision in your uterus was made in a vertical, or up-and-down, direction. Today, most incisions are horizontal, or across the uterus. This allows the muscles in the uterus to safely stretch for future childbirth. Many women give birth vaginally after a previous Cesarean section.

Remember that a Cesarean birth is surgery! If you have a Cesarean, your abdomen will be sore. You may need some help to position the baby for breast or bottle-feeding. Walking and standing will be painful the first day. You may only be in the hospital for two or three days. You may want to have help at home for the first week or two.

Women who have given birth by Cesarean section sometimes have mixed feelings. They may feel sad not to have had the birth experience they hoped for. They are also grateful and happy to have a healthy baby. These are normal feelings.

If you have questions about Cesarean birth, or vaginal birth after Cesarean, ask your healthcare provider.

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