Cesarean delivery is a birthing procedure in which a medical professional delivers a baby via an incision in the abdomen and uterus. C-section is often necessitated by: Multiple gestations Prolonged or stalled labor Fetal distress or complications, such as hydrocephalus Newborn malpositioning Maternal infections, such as herpes or HIV An overly large baby Previous C-section delivery Maternal complications such as high blood pressure Uterine conditions such as uterine fibroids Placenta or umbilical cord anomalies Delivery via C-section can also be a matter of maternal choice following: Fear of labor pains Anxiety about vaginal delivery Previous negative experiences or outcomes with vaginal deliveries The need for control over the delivery process Multiple social influences, including friends, family, and the media Interactions with medical professionals No matter the reasoning for this surgical form of birth, a Cesarean delivery comes with risks of complications, including: Blood loss (up to 500mL more than vaginal delivery) Incision infection Blood clots Injuries to bowel, bladder, and other surrounding organs Adverse reaction to general anesthesia or medication Potential complications in future pregnancies Endometritis C-section delivery can also result in breathing difficulties or surgical injury in newborns. Speak with a healthcare professional promptly if you suspect complications in yourself or your child.