Babies are born two ways: Through the vagina or by a C-section. A C-section is major surgery. If you have a C-section, you will deliver your baby through a cut in your belly.
Sometimes, you might have medical problems during your pregnancy. This might make a C-section the best and safest way to have your baby. But, C-sections are major surgery. And, like any major surgery, you should only have it when it’s really needed.
If you have a C-section, you’re at greater risk of having complications after you have your baby. This may include bleeding and infections. It also could include damage to organs like your uterus, ovaries, and bladder. And, each time you have a C-section, the chance of these complications increases.
Babies born by C-section are also at greater risk of having complications. This includes breathing problems and asthma. It could also mean that your baby has to go to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) after he or she is born.
What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know About Cesarean Birth will tell you more about the risks and benefits of C-section and vaginal births.