- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Caesarean Section
A caesarean section is the name given to the procedure that involves creating an incision in the abdomen to allow a child to be birthed. It is necessary under many circumstances, when it is not possible for a pregnant woman to give birth vaginally.
The origins of the term have been traced back to an ancestor of Julius Caesar who was born by this method. This is by no means definite, but it shows that the procedure has been around for a long time, and is something that is necessary when conditions prevent a normal birth from occurring.
There are a number of different ways in which a caesarean section, or C-section is performed. The procedure is typically performed by making a relatively large incision across the middle of the uterus, allowing the child to be taken out easily. This method is what most people will imagine when referencing the procedure, but it is not so commonly performed any more. It results in a lot of blood loss and is the method of caesarean section that most often leads to complications later on.
The method of caesarean section that is most commonly performed is called the lower uterine segment section. This involves a relatively small incision being made just above the bladder. This allows the child to be removed safely, but also minimises blood loss and leads to fewer complications.
An emergency caesarean section is the name given to the procedure that is performed after labour has begun, and one that was not planned. Many women will encounter complications after the onset of labour, and in these circumstances it is often necessary to perform an emergency caesarean to safely remove the child from the womb and prevent damage to the mother.
Many illnesses, conditions or factors can lead to the decision to perform a caesarean section. A child that is late or an abnormal size may require a c-section, as may a labour that is prolonged or in some way potentially harming the child or mother. Pregnant women must meet with their local GP or gynaecologist regularly to monitor the pregnancy and catch any problems before they become more serious. If there are any complications, a specialist can determine the available options and suggest a caesarean section if it is necessary. Specialists can also discuss the implications of this procedure with anyone who may be worried with the procedure itself or the outcome.