<Tr> <Th> MedlinePlus </Th> <Td> 002911 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> Caesarean section, also known as C - section or caesarean delivery, is the use of surgery to deliver babies . A caesarean section is often necessary when a vaginal delivery would put the baby or mother at risk . This may include obstructed labour, twin pregnancy, high blood pressure in the mother, breech birth, or problems with the placenta or umbilical cord . A caesarean delivery may be performed based upon the shape of the mother's pelvis or history of a previous C - section . A trial of vaginal birth after C - section may be possible . The World Health Organization recommends that Caesarean section be performed only when medically necessary . Some C - sections are performed without a medical reason, upon request by someone, usually the mother . </P> <P> A C - section typically takes 45 minutes to an hour . It may be done with a spinal block, where the woman is awake or under general anesthesia . A urinary catheter is used to drain the bladder and the skin of the abdomen is then cleaned with an antiseptic . An incision of about 15 cm (6 inches) is then typically made through the mother's lower abdomen . The uterus is then opened with a second incision and the baby delivered . The incisions are then stitched closed . A woman can typically begin breastfeeding as soon as she is awake and out of the operating room . Often, several days are required in the hospital to recover sufficiently to return home . </P>

Where does the term c section come from