ec view We aim to highlight the problem with quoting all types of cesarean statistics together as one when there are at least three very separate cesarean surgeries:

1) an emergency cesarean delivery
2) an elective cesarean delivery for medical reasons
3) an elective cesarean delivery on maternal request

Each surgical procedure has its own level of risk and each woman has an individual indication for risk. Research that mixes the outcomes of emergency surgery in high risk women with planned surgery in low risk women should not be used in an argument against cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR).

The pages below aim to help you during your research into the risks and benefits of cesarean surgery and how they might relate to your individual circumstances. Be sure to consult carefully with your physician before making any final decision about how you would like to deliver your baby. IMPORTANT NOTE from the Editor: - New medical research is being published all the time, and while I make every effort to update the pages of this site, this section is not presented as an exhaustive, up-to-date list of all medical research currently available. Please use these pages as a prompt in continuing your own research into the risks and benefits that you feel are most important to you, and as mentioned above, remember that ultimately, the decision you and your doctor (or midwife) reach regarding your birth plan should be based on an individualized consultation, taking into account your own personal health and family plans.
Thank you for your patience.