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Medical Encyclopedia

C-section - series: Indications

C-section - series Illustrations: Normal anatomy Indications Procedure, part 1 Procedure, part 2 Procedure, part 3 Procedure, part 4 Procedure, part 5 Procedure, part 6 Aftercare

Sometimes the baby is in a position, like breech (buttocks-first) or transverse (cross-wise), that makes a vaginal birth risky. Other times certain medical conditions, such as placenta previa (placenta is attached too low, blocking the baby's exit) or placenta abruptio (placenta is partially or completely detached, threatening the baby's oxygen and nutrient supply), make vaginal birth nearly impossible.

A Cesarean section delivery is performed if a vaginal birth is not safe or possible for the mother or the baby.

Update Date: 5/26/2008

Updated by: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; and . Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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