Surgical birth, also known as a cesarean section or c-section, is a medical procedure in which a baby is delivered through incisions made in the abdominal and uterine walls. The spelling of surgical birth is based on the pronunciation of the word. It is pronounced /ˈsɜːdʒɪkəl bɜːθ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "sur-" is pronounced like "sir," while the "-gical" suffix is pronounced like "jickle." The second syllable "birth" is pronounced like "berth." This procedure is often performed for medical reasons, such as a breech presentation or fetal distress, and is rising in prevalence worldwide.
Surgical birth, also commonly referred to as a cesarean section or C-section, is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. This procedure is typically carried out when a vaginal birth is deemed unsafe or when specific medical conditions or concerns require the delivery to be executed surgically.
During a surgical birth, the mother is usually given regional anesthesia, such as an epidural or spinal block, to numb the lower part of her body while remaining conscious. The surgeon then makes an incision in the lower abdomen, usually horizontally across the bikini line, and another incision in the uterus to carefully extract the baby. Once the baby is safely delivered, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and the placenta is removed from the mother's uterus.
Surgical births are performed for various reasons, including fetal distress, breech positioning (when the baby's feet or buttocks are positioned to be delivered first), multiple gestations (such as twins or triplets), previous cesarean deliveries, or maternal health complications. While surgical births are generally safe, they carry certain risks such as infection, bleeding, blood clots, or injury to nearby organs.
After a surgical birth, the mother typically spends a few days in the hospital for recovery and postoperative monitoring to ensure her well-being. While the procedure may be planned in some cases, it can also be performed as an emergency measure when complications arise during labor or when the health of the mother or baby is at risk.
The term "surgical birth" refers to a method of childbirth called "Caesarean section" or "C-section" in which the baby is delivered through a surgical incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus.
The word "Caesarean" is derived from the Latin term "Caesarius", which means "belonging to Caesar". The name is often associated with Julius Caesar, one of the most famous Roman generals and statesmen. According to a popular but inaccurate legend, Caesar was born by this procedure, giving rise to the name "Caesarean section". However, historical accounts suggest that this story might not be true, and that Caesar was more likely born naturally.
In reality, the origin of the term "Caesarean section" remains uncertain, with various theories proposed.