Reasons for Cesarean Delivery

Published on: April 7, 2015

Cesarean child birth has become very common in the U.S. It is estimated that approximately 1.4 million babies or about one-third of all births are performed through cesarean delivery. Commonly referred to as a C-section, this procedure is often used when vaginal delivery is too dangerous for the mother or infant for a wide variety of reasons.

Planned Cesarean Deliveries

In many cases, cesarean delivery is chosen during pregnancy by the expectant mother and her OB/GYN. Although most women and their physicians would prefer to have a vaginal delivery, it is not always in the best interest of the mother and unborn child. Some of the most common reasons for scheduling a planned cesarean include:

  • Breech. If the baby is positioned with their feet or buttocks toward the cervix, this is considered a breech birth that can be difficult and dangerous for both the mother and baby.
  • Weight. Larger babies over 10-11 pounds may be too large to be delivered vaginally, so cesarean may be the safer option.
  • Health conditions. Some health or medical conditions can put the mother at risk during the stress of traditional delivery, making cesarean a better choice.
  • Overdue. If the pregnancy is past 42 weeks, the baby may be in danger if not taken through cesarean delivery. 

Emergency Cesarean Deliveries

For some expectant mothers, cesarean delivery is not planned. In emergency situations during child birth, it may be necessary to use a C-section to deliver the child safely. This can occur when the fetus shows signs of distress, the labor stops or becomes too difficult or there are other medical problems. In these circumstances, it is important to have an OB/GYN that is experienced with cesarean delivery and is ready to do the procedure on a moment’s notice to ensure a safe birth for both the mother and new baby.

Posted on behalf of
North Point OB/GYN Associates
1505 Northside Boulevard #3500
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 886-3555

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