Cesarean birth (C-section)
Whether your cesarean is planned or becomes necessary during labor, we will explain every step.
Why a cesarean may be recommended
- The baby is in a breech or other position that makes vaginal birth unsafe
- Placenta previa (the placenta covers the cervix)
- Some previous uterine surgeries, such as a classical cesarean incision
- Labor that does not progress, or concerns about the baby’s heart rate during labor
- Some pregnancies with twins or other complications
- Your choice of a repeat cesarean after a previous one
Planned cesarean
When a cesarean is planned without a medical reason to deliver earlier, it is usually scheduled at or after 39 weeks, because babies born earlier have a higher chance of breathing and feeding problems. Full details are reviewed with you during your prenatal visits.
What to expect
Most cesareans are done with spinal or epidural anesthesia, so you are awake, and a support person can usually be with you. The surgery generally takes about an hour, and you can often hold your baby soon after birth.
Recovery
Most women stay in the hospital for a few days. Expect several weeks of recovery at home: walk early, avoid heavy lifting, and take pain medicine as directed. Call us for fever, worsening pain, redness or drainage from the incision, heavy bleeding, or leg swelling.
Future pregnancies
Many women can consider a VBAC in a later pregnancy. We will discuss your options.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: September 2026. This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.