C-Sections 101

Every year, about 30 percent of babies born in the U.S. are delivered by cesarean section. Here's the lowdown on why c-sections happen and what you need to know to prepare yourself.

By Stacey Stapleton

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What Is a C-Section?

Having a c-section means your baby will be lifted out directly from your belly, rather than pushed out from your you-know-what. A c-section is surgery, and you'll have two incisions -- one in your abdomen and one in your uterus -- while you're under anesthesia. C-sections have come a long way (and are much less invasive than they used to be), but the reasons they're sometimes necessary have not changed that much -- since the goal of every birth is to end up with a healthy mother and a healthy baby.

Next: Why Are C-Sections Done After Labor Has Started?

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