C-sections

A C-section (short for cesarean section) is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut your doctor makes in your abdomen (belly) and uterus (womb). You may need a C-section if there are problems with your or your baby’s health. Your doctor may have other reasons to recommend a C-section.

After a C-section, you will start your recovery in the hospital. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says you should have a follow-up visit with your health care provider within three weeks of your baby’s delivery. The ACOG also says to call your provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: 

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding.
  • Foul-smelling drainage from your vagina.
  • Fever or chills.
  • Severe belly (abdominal) pain.
  • Increased pain, redness, swelling, or bleeding or other drainage from the incision.
  • Leg pain.
  • Trouble breathing, chest pain, or abnormal heartbeat (heart palpitations).

Your provider may give you additional instructions, based on your situation. If you have any questions about childbirth, including C-sections, or care throughout your pregnancy (prenatal care), be sure to talk with your provider.

Healthy babies are worth the wait

The March of Dimes wants you to know:

  • Babies are not fully developed until you have completed at least 39 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Babies born too early may have more health problems at birth and in the future than those born later.
  • Vaginal birth is the best way to have your baby if there are no medical reasons for you to induce labor or have a cesarean section (C-section).
  • Due dates are not always exactly right. If this is the case, and an induction is scheduled for a non-medical reason (elective induction), your baby may be born too soon.
  • Inducing labor can put you at a higher risk of infection, serious blood loss after childbirth (postpartum hemorrhage), and having a C-section.
  • A C-section is major surgery. It may lead to more complications for you and your baby than vaginal birth.

To learn more view our flyer (PDF) or visit www.marchofdimes.org. 

Members