However, the doctors should be prepared to perform an emergency Caesarean should the need arise. Doctors often perform a Caesarean as a matter of course when the baby is in a breech position. A breech baby is a baby whose bottom or feet have entered the birth canal first, instead of the head. This makes a vaginal delivery particularly risky because the chances of a prolapsed cord or foetal injury are greater. And the baby must be in a frank breech, i.e. with legs extended and head flexed.
Some women have ineffective uterine contractions that lead to prolonged labour.
The mother may be unable to push the baby out under her own steam. If the contractions are weak and irregular, doctors usually administer oxytocin to stimulate contractions. However, if this has no effect, the doctors may have no choice but to perform a caesarean. Top Foetal distress Foetal distress is often a reason why doctors decide to perform Caesarean sections instead of waiting out the uterine labour contractions. In cases of prolonged labour, the baby is unable to exit the birth canal in spite of the labour contractions and the resulting distress suffered by the baby exerts a certain amount of danger on its survival.