Cesarean Delivery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Cesarean Delivery?
An obstetrician-gynecologist, or ob-gyn, usually provides a cesarean delivery. An ob-gyn is a doctor with special training and education in women's health. An anesthesiologist is a pain-relief expert who talks with you about anesthesia. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A cesarean delivery, also called a C-section, is surgery to deliver a baby. The baby is delivered through cuts made in the mother's belly and uterus. Some cesarean deliveries are planned. Others are emergency cesarean deliveries, done when unexpected problems happen during delivery. In the United States, about 1 in 3 babies is delivered this way.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Reasons include the following.
- A health problem in the mother, such as an infection
- Labor that does not move along because contractions do not open the cervix enough
- Twins or more, or a very large baby
- A breech baby, which means the feet or buttocks would come out first
- Worry about the baby, such as a pinched umbilical cord or a heart rate that is not normal
- Problems with the placenta, the organ that brings oxygen and nutrients to your baby
Planned cesareans are usually done from the 39th week of pregnancy.
How to prepare
Before the operation, the care team gets you ready. Common steps include the following.
- An IV line goes into a vein in your arm or hand. It lets you get fluids and medicine during surgery.
- You get medicine to prevent infection.
- A catheter, which is a tube, drains your bladder.
If you plan to breastfeed, tell your ob-gyn before surgery.
What happens during it
Before the surgery, you are given pain medicine. You may get one of these types.
- An epidural block numbs the lower half of the body. It goes into your lower back.
- A spinal block also numbs the lower half of your body. The medicine goes into the spinal fluid.
- With general anesthesia, you are not awake during the delivery.
The surgeon cuts your belly and uterus. The cut is usually horizontal, but it may be vertical. The baby is taken out. The umbilical cord is cut.
Recovery
After surgery, you go to a recovery room or your room. If all is going well, you should be able to start breastfeeding soon after delivery. The cut in your belly will be sore for the first few days. A hospital stay is usually 2 to 4 days. It depends on why you had the cesarean and how fast you recover.
To prevent infection, put nothing in your vagina for a few weeks. This includes tampons and sex. Call your ob-gyn right away for fever, chills, leg pain, leaking from the cut, or worsening pain. Call 911 or go to the emergency room for bleeding that will not stop, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, or fainting.
Risks and side effects
A cesarean delivery is relatively safe for you and your baby. Risks to you include these.
- Infection of the uterus, nearby pelvic organs, or the skin cut
- Blood loss, sometimes enough to need a blood transfusion
- Blood clots in the legs, pelvic organs, or lungs
Your baby may have temporary breathing difficulties. A cesarean can raise the risk of future pregnancy problems. These include placenta problems and rupture of the uterus.
Who performs it
A surgeon does the operation. An anesthesiologist is a doctor who is an expert in pain relief. This doctor should talk with you about each type.
Common questions
Can I have a vaginal birth after a cesarean?
You may be able to have a vaginal birth after a cesarean, called a VBAC. It depends on the type of cut used before. It also depends on how many cesareans you have had.
Can I ask for a cesarean if there is no medical reason?
You can ask, and your ob-gyn will go over the risks and benefits. Some women ask even when vaginal birth is possible. The choice should be weighed carefully.
How long is the hospital stay after a cesarean delivery?
It is usually 2 to 4 days, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The length depends on the reason for the cesarean and how long your body takes to recover.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Talk with your ob-gyn about the risks and benefits for your situation.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Cesarean Section
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - Cesarean Birth
- NHS - Caesarean section
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
