Definition

The delivery of a baby through an incision (cut) made in a person’s abdomen and uterus. After the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, the placenta is removed, and the cuts in the uterus and abdomen are closed with stitches. A cesarean section may be done if there are problems during labor or if the baby is in distress, is too big, or is in an abnormal position in the uterus. It may also be done if there is more than one baby being delivered, if there are problems with the placenta, or if the person has an infection or other health problem that would prevent having a vaginal delivery. Also called C-section and cesarean delivery.