A Cesarean delivery may be necessary for the health and well-being of you and/or your baby. In such cases, the baby is lifted out through a cut in the mother's abdomen and uterus. This is usually accomplished through a horizontal incision just above the pubic hairline. In rare instances, a vertical cut from the naval to the pubic area will be made.
Cesarean births are more likely when the baby is very big or the mother's pelvis is very small or if the baby is in a breech position. Cesarean deliveries are also performed in the event of increased fetal risk or abnormalities in the progress of labor.