Caesarean Section Day

Caesarean section is a surgical procedure performed to deliver a baby, usually done when vaginal delivery may put the baby or mother at risk.
C-sections have risks of short-term complications for both mother and baby, but have become increasingly common around the world due to the introduction of antiseptics and anesthetics in the 19th century.
The World Health Organization recommends that caesarean section be performed only when medically necessary, and established guidelines suggest that it not be used before 39 weeks of pregnancy without a medical reason.

The history of cesarean section dates back to the ancient times, where the procedure was performed in emergency situations to save the lives of both mother and baby. There’s a lack of direct documenting of cases, therefore it’s hard to know what exactly happened and what the succes rate was.

Today, cesarean section is still widely used and has become a common method of childbirth for various medical and personal reasons.
Over the years, the procedure has undergone several changes, with advancements in surgical techniques and anesthesia leading to increased safety and lower complications.

The pros of cesarean section include the ability to prevent life-threatening complications during vaginal birth, the option to schedule the birth, and reduced risk of pelvic floor problems.
The cons include increased risk of surgical complications, longer recovery time, and higher costs compared to vaginal birth.

While cesarean section has been a lifesaver for many women, it is important to note that it is a major surgery and should only be considered when medically necessary.
In order to make an informed decision, expectant mothers should discuss the benefits and risks with their healthcare provider.

The date for Cesarean Section Day celebrates the birthday of Dr. Jesse Bennet who is said to be the first doctor in the USA documented to have performed the cesarean section successfully.

This wasn’t the first successful ceasarean section in history though.
The first documented  caesarean section that was survived by both the mother and child was performed on Beatrice of Bourbon, queen of Bohemia, in Prague in 1337.
Beatrice gave birth to prince Wenceslaus I, but had no more children after this.

In an account from 1580something, another successful ceasarean section was performed by Jakob Nufer, a veterinarian in Siegershausen, Switzerland.
After a prolonged labour, Jakob performed this operation on his wife saving both his wife and the baby.
The couple was able to have five more children after this.