MAIN Health Pregnancy C-Section

The modern surgical procedure is named for the emperor Julius Caesar, who was said to have been delivered via the intervention of courageous Roman doctors when his mother, Aurelia, was unable to deliver naturally.

Mother and baby rarely survived the ancient method of surgical removal of the baby from the mother's womb, and even today the World Health Organisation (WHO) views the procedure as being fraught with danger. They currently put the acceptable rate of C-sections at 10-15% for countries in the developed world.

Yet, over the last decade the number of Cesarean sections performed in US has nearly doubled. This currently puts the number at approximately 30 percent of all babies born in the United States delivered by C-section.

Although surgical expertise has grown steadily with the increased use of C-sections, doctors say it is still important for women to weigh all the pros and cons of C-sections before opting for what is a serious surgical procedure.

Pregnancy complications may always occur that make emergency C-sections an absolute necessity, but ethical questions arise when patients and doctors opt for a Cesarean section as an elective procedure solely for reasons of ease and convenience.

As the debate continues, find out more about C-sections around the Web at expert sites with facts and information, along with helpful forum discussions on the benefits and risks of Cesarean birthing procedures :

MedlinePlus: Cesarean Section A mini-directory of news, updates and links to more info on the procedure, related risk factors, recovery time, research and statistics, plus an interactive C-Section Flash tutorial.

Mayo Clinic.com - Vaginal Birth After C-Section Health Decision guide - Comprehensive, illustrated guide to weighing the pros and cons of the issue including a discussion on breech birth, twins, related health reasons for an initial c-section, procedural details, recovery time, benefits and risks.

Caesarian section - A brief overview from netdoctor.co.uk, with a discussion on when a Caesarian is absolutely necessary, what happens during and after, possible risks and typical length of a hospital stay.

Giving birth by cesarean section - Facts, info and hyperlinked discussion on which conditions typically call for the procedure, what to expect, and how to minimize the chances of having a Cesarean birth, with visitor comments and related message board.

The Cesarean Section FAQ - Hyperlinked guide with detailed information on how to prepare for C-section, facts on epidural anesthesia, a primer for birthing coaches & partners, recovery time, breastfeeding, with suggested books on the topic for more information.

Cesarean Births - Answers to Questions About C-Sections - Covering benefits and risks, standard Epidural or spinal anesthesia, how the incision is made, recovery time.

Storknet's Cesarean Birth Cubby - Questions submitted by visitors with expert answers on C-section anesthesia, physical & emotional healing, at-home pain relief and related topics, online forums.

also see -> Baby's First Year |Pregnancy Chats & Forums

Fetal Ultrasound | Pregnancy & Labor | Multiple Births

Natural Childbirth | Pregnancy & Nutrition

Pregnancy Stages

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.
|