Cesarean Section

A Cesarean section, or C-section, is a surgery performed in order to deliver a baby through the mother's lower abdomen, usually when unexpected difficulties develop during delivery. These problems may include how the baby is positioned in the womb (uterus), whether the baby has enough room to go through the vagina, the current health and the medical history of the mother, and signs of distress in the baby ( such as an abnormal fetal heart rate). The surgery usually is performed while the woman is awake but numbed from chest to feet with spinal or epidural anesthesia. The surgery requires an incision across the belly and into the womb and the amnionic sac that surrounds the baby. The baby is removed and the umbilical cord tied off and severed. Classified as major surgery, C-sections carry some risk. Compared with vaginal delivery, a woman will take longer to recover from a C-section. In addition, the incision may leave a weak area in the wall of the womb that could cause problems if a vaginal birth is attempted later; however, most women who have a Cesarean section can later give birth by the vaginal canal.

Why UAB

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive women's health care in a private, personal environment, with physicians and nurses who are dedicated to delivering excellent care. Because our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available. UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology is consistently ranked among the best programs of its kind in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As part of the UAB Division of Women's Reproductive Healthcare, UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology’s services range from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complicated gynecological concerns. We work closely with the UAB Medicine Interventional Radiology team to diagnose and treat your condition, using the latest and most accurate technology and imaging methods, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT scans. Because UAB Medicine is an academic health center, patients may be offered participation in clinical research trials, which can give you access to new techniques and treatments that are not available elsewhere in the area. Our physicians are here for you at all times, from your first routine gynecological exam, to delivering your baby, to guiding you through menopause. When you establish a relationship with our doctors, you can rely upon that relationship throughout your lifetime.

Images and Videos

UAB Medicine's Dr. Warner Huh explains the use of robotic-assisted surgery in treating gynecologic cancers in women.

The UAB Women and Infants Center

Warner Huh, MD discusses using robot-assisted surgery to perform hysterectomy.

PHYSICIANS

William W. Andrews, MD, PhD
William W. Andrews, MD, PhD
Margaret M. Boozer, MD
Margaret M. Boozer, MD
Cynthia G. Brumfield, MD, MSHA
Cynthia G. Brumfield, MD, MSHA
Richard O. Davis, MD
Richard O. Davis, MD
Lorie M. Harper, MD
Lorie M. Harper, MD
Debora F. Kimberlin, MD
Debora F. Kimberlin, MD
John Owen, MD, MSPH
John Owen, MD, MSPH
Alan T.N. Tita, MD, MPH, PhD
Alan T.N. Tita, MD, MPH, PhD
Luisa A. Wetta, MD
Luisa A. Wetta, MD

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Cesarean Section. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials