Cesarean Section Childbirth

The most common reason is elective repeat C/S in people that had them before, vaginal birth after C/S (VBAC) is looking more and more dangerous, and the vast majority of women are choosing repeat C/S. The next most common reason is the baby being too large for the pelvis or the pelvis too small for the baby. Occasionally, the baby will present breech (bottom first) or sideways in the pelvis. I would say 99.9% of breech babies are delivered via C/S. Fetal distress is diagnosed if the baby is compromised somehow and can not tolerate labor to the point of delivery. Obstetricians are well versed in interpreting heart monitor tracings and can determine if the baby is in jeopardy and needs a C/S to be done to protect the baby’s wellbeing. In recent years there has also been a movement for elective primary cesarean sections for convenience, to avoid the duress of labor, to protect against future bladder and bowel problems and to avoid the risks of labor on the baby. After going through labor with thousands of women, I can understand this new wave. In an informed patient, I personally would be OK doing an elective cesarean.