Definition

Noun 1. A surgical procedure for delivering a baby: A caesarian section is a medical operation in which a baby is delivered through a surgical incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. * Etymology: The term originates from the belief that the Roman leader Julius Caesar was born by this method.

Usage

• The term is used as a countable noun to refer to the specific surgical procedure.
• It is often abbreviated informally as "C-section".
• It is used in medical, clinical, and general contexts when discussing childbirth.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor recommended a caesarian section due to complications during labor.
  • Her first child was delivered by caesarian section.
  • The rate of caesarian sections has increased in recent decades.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a caesarian section" / "To have a C-section": The standard phrasing to describe undergoing the procedure.
  • She had to have a caesarian section for the safety of the baby.
• "To deliver by caesarian section": The phrasing used from the medical perspective.
  • The obstetrician delivered the baby by caesarian section.

Variants and Related Words

• C-section (n.): The common abbreviated form of "caesarian section." It is widely used in both spoken and written English.
  • She is scheduled for a C-section next Tuesday.
• Cesarean section (n.): An alternative spelling, primarily used in American English.
• Cesarean delivery (n.) / C-section delivery (n.): Alternative terms with the same meaning.
• Abdominal delivery (n.): A more clinical synonym describing the method of delivery.

Synonyms

• Surgical delivery: A formal synonym emphasizing the surgical nature of the procedure.
• Abdominal birth: A less common but descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• Elective caesarian: A caesarian section planned in advance for non-emergency medical reasons or maternal request.
  • She opted for an elective caesarian.
• Emergency caesarian: A caesarian section performed urgently due to a sudden threat to the health of the mother or baby during labor.
  • An emergency caesarian was necessary when the baby's heart rate dropped.
• VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarian): An acronym referring to the process of giving birth vaginally after having had a previous caesarian section.
  • Her doctor discussed the possibility of a VBAC for her second pregnancy.

Noun

1. the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)