Caesarean section

Caesarean section, also known as C-section and other terminologies, is a surgical procedure where one or more incisions are made through a mother's intact abdomen and uterus to deliver one or more babies.

The first modern Caesarean section was performed by German gynecologist Ferdinand Adolf Kehrer in 1881. The typical method for performing a Caesarean section is the Pfannenstiel incision named after Hermann Johannes Pfannenstiel.

A Caesarean section is often performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby's or mother's life or health at risk. Some are also performed upon the patient’s request even in the absence of a medical indication. The World Health Organization however recommends that they should be done based only on medical need.

The maternal and fetal outcomes that occur with C-sections, differ from those that occur with vaginal delivery. Established guidelines recommend that caesarean sections not be performed before 39 weeks unless medically indicated.

In 2012, about 23 million C-sections were done globally. In some countries, C-section procedures are used more frequently than necessary. Consequently, governments and health organizations promote programs to reduce the use of C-section in favour of vaginal delivery.

The International healthcare community has considered the rate of 10% and 15% to be ideal for caesarean sections. Some evidence supports that a higher rate of 19% may result in better outcomes.