Cesarean Birth

A cesarean birth is a surgical procedure where a baby is delivered through a cut in a pregnant individual's abdomen and uterus. A caesarean birth may be necessary for some people, but comes with a higher risk for complications and a more difficult recovery compared to vaginal birth. Having a caesarean birth in one pregnancy increases an individual's chances of having a caesarean birth in subsequent pregnancies, although there are high success rates of vaginal birth after past caesarean births (VBAC). See our page on VBAC for more information. Read the pages linked below for more information on the risks associated with caesarean births, and other considerations.

Cesarean Birth

• The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada - What is a c-section, why is it done and what will happen afterwards?
• HealthyFamiliesBC - Cesarean birth overview and FAQs

Vaginal Birth After Having a Previous Caesarean Birth

• The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada - Vaginal birth after c-section, background, benefits and risks
• Association of Ontario Midwives - Thinking about VBAC(Also available in Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, and Simplified Chinese)
• Baby Center - Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)