Caesarean section

1. Big picture

Caesarean section is delivery of the fetus, placenta, and membranes through abdominal and uterine incisions. It is one of the most important obstetric operations because it can be life-saving, but it also creates short-term surgical risks and long-term risks in future pregnancies.

The examiner wants this clinical logic:

Is vaginal birth safe?
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If no → caesarean section
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Is it elective or emergency?
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Stabilize mother first
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Assess fetus and urgency
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Prepare: consent, IV access, blood, antibiotics, anaesthesia, thromboprophylaxis
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Perform lower-segment caesarean if possible
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Prevent postpartum haemorrhage, infection, thrombosis
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Counsel about future pregnancy and VBAC

The key oral-exam sentence:

Caesarean section is indicated when vaginal delivery would be unsafe for the mother, fetus, or both, or when urgent delivery is required and vaginal birth is not immediately safe.