A caesarean section is a procedure where a baby is delivered by cutting through the front wall of the abdomen to open the womb.
Caesarean sections are generally carried out if there is a potential risk to the mother or baby by giving birth naturally. In the UK about 20% of babies are delivered by caesarean.
A caesarean section may be performed if:
 a medical need for the operation becomes apparent during pregnancy
a situation arises during labour which calls for an emergency delivery, for example if the baby is breech (bottom first)
the parents make a personal choice, rather that because of a medical need
the mother has had a caesarean in the past.
May 2011 | 
Introduction to Caesareans
