cesarean definition
A cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which incisions are made through a woman's abdomen and uterus to deliver her baby. Cesarean sections, also called c-sections, are performed whenever abnormal conditions complicate labor and vaginal delivery, threatening the life or health of the mother or the baby. In 2003, about 27% of U.S. deliveries were cesarean, up 6% from 2002.