C-Sections 101

By Stacey Stapleton

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.

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What Is a C-Section?
What's Recovery from a C-Section Like?

How Is a C-Section Done?

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.

pozzijessica wrote:

I think it is so wrong that doctors automatically do c-sections once you have had one. They say you can't have a VBAC and that is simply not true. Some women yes I'm sure it is, but I know women who have had vaginal births after c-sections. I think every woman should be given that opportunity if possible, but doctors are so against it. I think it is just laziness on doctors parts

6/19/2008 10:13 AM CDT

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saharrah2 wrote:

C-Sections are not all they are cracked up to be. I have read numerous books and read into the bradley method as well as took the Lamaze classes. From everything I have read the baby is worse off with C-section births compared to natural. The only time that the baby and mother benefit from a c-section is if the baby or mother really is in trouble and action needs to happen fast. Most c-sections are done due to liability more than emergency. Doctor's get sued over everything now and they would rather do a c-section then to "potentially" have something happen at birth for which they will be the one to blame. What people don't think about is a c-section is major surgery so don't be fooled into thinking that it is a pain free way of birth and recovery. God would not have made all animals and people to have babies the way we do if it wasn't the best way. Take classes and get educated. It is the only way you will know if something is necessary or not.
I plan on having a full natural birth and am currently 34 weeks pregnant with my first child.

5/15/2008 11:28 AM CDT

shannon.acevedo wrote:

I went through labor then had a c-section. I recovered quickly and only took one Tylenol when I got home. The second section was scheduled because my doctor didn't want to try a vaginal birth. The thought I was going to have another big baby. She was 7 lb 3 oz...boy was I ticked. I could have spit her across the room. I hated going in there cold turkey. The IV and catheter were annoying. I had to wait for an hour before they took me back. Then they stabbed me five times trying to get the spinal in. I would do labor anytime. I felt cheated in a way. I didn't get to experience anything to do with labor. Just walked in and had a baby cut out. I did not like it. I'm due Friday for my third c-section. My doctors won't even consider a vaginal birth. I've had numerous ultra-sounds with this one and they know he will be around 8lbs...so no VAC for me. I'm really disappointed. I know it sounds strange but I am very disappointed. I would have liked to experience one normal birth.

5/13/2008 2:00 PM CDT

michellegeorgina38 wrote:

i had two c-sections with my son who is going to be 5 in July and i just had another one in Jan of this year one in 2003,and one in 2008

my name is Jodi

3/29/2008 11:09 AM CDT

i just had a c-section 2 months ago and another one almost 5 years ago.i had my daughter on Jan 26,2008 she was not due until Feb the 9,2008

my name is Jodi

3/29/2008 11:06 AM CDT

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Cesareans

C-Sections 101

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