Cesarean section (C-section) is the delivery of a newborn through a surgical incision in the abdomen and front (anterior) wall of the uterus. The C-section rate may approximate 30% in some hospitals, particularly where high-risk pregnancies are managed. This rate of C-section is usually less for women with uncomplicated pregnancies.

Anatomy and Physiology

• The uterus or womb is a pear shaped organ that is found in the pelvis at the top of the vagina. The uterus in a woman that is not pregnant does not extend above the pubic bone. (Figures 1, 2 and 3)
  
• In the pregnant woman at the end of pregnancy, the uterus enlarges to approximately 40 centimeters (16 inches) above the pubic bone
  

Figure 1 - Anatomy of the uterus and surrounding organs as seen in a section through the middle of the body. © C. Scalici	Figure 2 - Uterus as seen from in front. © C. Scalici

Figure 3 - View of the uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and round ligament through a laproscope. (Courtesy O. Kadry, M.D.)