There are a variety of reasons your doctor might recommend a C-section, but one of the most common is stalled labor, when your cervix isn’t opening enough for the baby to get through. Other reasons include:
Your baby is in distress. If there’s a concern about the heartbeat, a C-section might be recommended.
You’ve had a C-section before. It’s possible to have a vaginal birth after your first C-section, but in some cases another C-section is safer for you and your baby.
You have a health issue. Your doctor might recommend a C-section if you have a severe health problem or an active genetal herpes infection when you’re in labor.
You’re carrying more than one baby and the leading baby is in an abnormal position. A C-section might also be recommended if you’re carrying triplets or more.
Your baby is in an abnormal position. If the baby is breech, meaning his or her bottom or feet are entering the birth canal first, or in the transverse position, meaning she or he is positioned side or shoulder first, a C-section might be recommended.
Your placenta is in an abnormal position, covering the opening of your cervix. This is called placenta previa, and when it occurs, a C-section is almost always recommended.
Your baby’s umbilical cord is prolapsed. If a part of the umbilical cord slips through your open cervix into the vagina, ahead of your baby, a C-section will likely be recommended because this is dangerous to the baby.
You have an obstruction. If your baby’s head is unusually large, you have a fibroid obstructing your birth canal, or your doctor detects another obstruction, a C-section might be recommended.