Emergency C-sections can be unexpected and overwhelming, especially for parents who planned a vaginal birth. Understanding why emergency C-sections happen, how they differ from unplanned C-sections, and what recovery may involve can help families feel more prepared if labor takes an unexpected turn.

When I became pregnant with my first child 15 years ago, there wasn’t as much discussion about birth preferences and delivery options as there is today, or many of the things that moms-to-be do now. But there was one thing that I was adamant about; I did not want to have a C-section. The thought of it terrified me. I don’t know what I was so scared of, but I was determined to deliver vaginally. And I did.

I was induced, which some people told me leads to an emergency C-section more often than labor without intervention. Sure, that made me a bit nervous. My baby was overdue 11 days and wasn’t coming on his own. Even after a long induction process and pushing for four hours. Was it great? No. But it wasn’t horrible, either. I didn’t know any better, so I assumed it was like any other birth experience.

What Is an Emergency C-Section?

An emergency C-section is a surgical delivery that must be performed quickly because the health or safety of the mother, baby, or both may be at risk. Unlike a planned or scheduled C-section, emergency C-sections typically occur unexpectedly during labor or delivery and require immediate medical intervention.

While emergency C-sections can feel frightening, they are performed to help ensure the safest possible outcome for both mother and baby.

Emergency C-sections aren’t the same for all moms. Many other scenarios call for an emergency C-section, and it is almost always to ensure a safe delivery for mom and baby.

My Second Birth Experience

Two years and one month later, I was ready to have my second child. From the get-go, I told my doctor, “No C-section.” He assured me he knew what I wanted and that we would all do our best to make things go as I wanted. My first baby was 8 pounds, 4 ounces, a decent hunk of love, but not huge. At my final ultrasound, the tech estimated that my new baby would be about the same size as the first. Which I knew was a reasonably easy delivery.

Again, it was an induction, but nothing too crazy. I had an issue with my epidural that the doctors handled, and we were good to go. This baby didn’t want to come out, though. He was happy inside and had gotten himself into a comfortable position, but his head was where it wasn’t supposed to be. I moved positions back and forth, he got where he needed to go, and it was time to push. This one was simple. He was coming, I was ready, and two pushes later, I was holding a 9-pound, 4-ounce bundle. It was amazing, and the best part? No surgery.

Related: Medical Interventions You Might Need During Pushing

My Emergency C-Section Experience

After giving birth to two big sons, I thought I knew what to expect with my third. Like his brothers, I was induced, and again, my induction went as planned, and everything was okay. Until it wasn’t. Neither my doctor nor I expected my son to be bigger than his brothers, and my labor became excruciatingly painful. My doctor was concerned that I was experiencing a uterine rupture, and there was only one choice: an emergency C-section.

I don’t remember any of this, but my husband and mom claim it was among the most frightening experiences of their lives. He was not allowed in the delivery room and had to wait, not knowing what was happening to the baby or me. Doctors put me under general anesthesia, and my son was born within minutes. When I awoke, my husband was holding our third son, who was 10 pounds, 5 ounces, and perfect.

I, on the other hand, didn’t feel so perfect.

I had been attempting to push my son out for some time when he became stuck. He was too big, and my body couldn’t deliver him naturally and safely. Because I had been trying to deliver him vaginally, my body underwent some trauma, and I had to heal. Because I had an emergency C-section, I also had to recover from major surgery. It was physically and psychologically exhausting.

Related: The Different Labor Induction Methods

There is a Difference Between Emergency and Unplanned C-sections

The difference between an unplanned C-section and an emergency C-section is the urgency. An unplanned C-section is just that. It is when a mom intends to give birth vaginally but cannot due to circumstances like the baby’s positioning. In these cases, the baby and mother are healthy, and the risks are lower than in an emergency C-section. A doctor may determine that a mom should have a C-section during labor or even days or weeks before.³

Emergency C-sections often happen within minutes of the decision to deliver. An emergency C-section happens under much more dramatic and sometimes frightening circumstances. Health Partners helps us understand what constitutes an unplanned C-section vs. an emergency C-section.¹ 

Related: 19 Tips for a Positive C-Section Birth Experience

Reasons for an Unplanned C-section

While many births proceed as planned, there are situations where a healthcare provider may recommend a C-section even when labor originally began with the expectation of a vaginal delivery.³

Labor Slows or Stalls Completely

It may be time for your doctor to intervene if labor stops progressing, even when a mother is experiencing strong contractions but no movement.

The Baby is Too Big

A doctor may determine that the baby is too large to deliver vaginally, and attempting to do so would put the mom or infant in danger.

Your Baby Changes Positions

The baby can change positions during the birthing process, making it dangerous or impossible to deliver vaginally. If the baby is not head-down, it can increase the risks of umbilical cord issues.

Related: How to Flip a Breech Baby and What You Need to Know

Mom is Having Multiples

Delivering more than one baby at once can happen vaginally with little to no complications. However, when one baby moves, it can be impossible for the mom to deliver vaginally, so doctors will perform a C-section.

Reasons for an Emergency C-section

Emergency C-sections are performed when there is an urgent concern about the health or safety of the mother or baby and delivery needs to happen quickly. When an emergency C-section happens, the mom is typically put under general anesthesia so the baby can be delivered quickly. Several factors can lead to an emergency C-section, such as the following:^2,3

Umbilical Cord Complications

A prolapsed cord is a severe concern for the mom or the baby. If the cord is damaged or wrapped around the baby’s neck or body multiple times, it can cut off the infant’s oxygen, leading to brain damage or even death.

Related: The Truth About Nuchal Cords

There is a Problem With the Placenta

The placenta is a vital organ that helps keep the baby alive. If the placenta presents first, it is called placenta previa and can prevent the baby from naturally passing through the birth canal.

The Baby’s Heart Rate Drops

When a baby’s heart rate drops suddenly, it is a sign of fetal distress. If the doctor feels the baby is in trouble and can no longer be delivered safely vaginally, they will perform an emergency C-section.

Emergency C-Section Recovery

Again, a C-section is major surgery, and moms need to be careful not to overdo it when recovering. The Mayo Clinic recommends that C-section moms not lift more than 25 pounds for the first few weeks.² It is okay to take painkillers, and many medications are safe for breastfeeding moms.

Experts recommend waiting to have sex for at least six weeks, and you should avoid driving for the first week or two after surgery, and always when using narcotic painkillers.²

Related: C-Section Recovery: Week-by-Week Guide for Healing After Birth

Always Look for Signs of Infection

Moms must watch for signs of infection after an emergency C-section. This can include swollen, red, or leaking incisions, fever, heavy vaginal bleeding, or increased pain. If any of these occur, it is crucial to contact a medical professional immediately.

Moms should talk to their doctors about risks and what to expect in an emergency C-section. It is also helpful to always remember that an emergency C-section is performed to keep mom and baby safe. Ultimately, keeping both mom and baby safe is always the goal.