cesarean section

Scientific  

/ sĭ-zâr′ē-ən /

1. A surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus, performed to deliver a fetus.

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Cesarean section Cultural  

1. Childbirth by surgical removal of the fetus through an incision made in the wall of the abdomen and in the uterus, usually used as an alternative when natural delivery through the vagina is considered risky. The number of Cesarean sections in the United States has increased sharply in recent years, causing concern among patients, surgeons, and insurers.

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The term derives from the traditional belief that Julius Caesar was born by this method.

The procedure is often referred to colloquially as a “C-section.”

Example Sentences

But after 25 hours of laboring at home, including five hours of pushing, Rae, then 38, was transferred to the hospital where she had an emergency cesarean section.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

During delivery, healthcare providers said Hailey would have to have a cesarean section.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2025

According to the article in Time, all three wolves were born by planned cesarean section to minimise the risk of complications.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2025

When Siming Zhu gave birth to her daughter via cesarean section, she didn’t go home after leaving the hospital.

From Slate • Jul. 13, 2024

Those facilities transfer any woman who may need a cesarean section to a hospital, said Kate Bauer, executive director of the American Association of Birth Centers.

From New York Times • Jun. 15, 2024