Cesarean section is the surgical removal of the child from the womb through a surgical opening in the abdominal and uterine walls into the uterus. The earliest records of Cesarean sections indicate that c-sections were done to save the life of the child in cases where the mother was dying. Cesarean sections are now performed routinely throughout the world. A cesarean section may be the preferable method of delivery if:
The mother's birth canal is too narrow
A misplaced placenta (placenta previa) blocks the exit from the womb
The fetus is in a bad position (for example feet first)