C-section

• A cesarean section is the birth of a baby by surgery.
• You may need a c-section if you or baby’s health is at risk.
• Recovery from a c-section is longer than a vaginal birth.

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For most healthy women, it’s best to have baby the old-fashioned way. But sometimes a vaginal birth isn't possible.

A cesarean section, or c-section is the birth of a baby by surgery. The doctor makes a cut (incision) in the belly and womb (uterus) and then removes the baby.

An unplanned (emergency) c-section may be needed if you or your baby’s health is at risk during pregnancy or labor. Some women might like the idea of requesting a c-section even if there aren’t medical reasons. Most women and babies recover well from c-sections. But keep in mind that it’s a major surgery that has risks. 
 
If you need a c-section, try to schedule it when you’re close to full term (39 weeks). Having your baby early, even if it’s just by a week or two, can make a difference in your baby's health. A c-section may affect the health of your future pregnancies, too. That’s because there’s a greater risk of pregnancy complications with every c-section you have.

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover from a c-section. Recovery from a vaginal birth is shorter. Also, the hospital stay for a vaginal birth is 2 days. But with a c-section, you’ll probably stay 3 to 4 days in the hospital.

If you’ve already had a c-section and are pregnant again, talk to your provider about having a vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC). For many women, a VBAC can be a healthy, safe choice for birth.