C-section
Medical abbreviation · Obstetrics & Gynecology
| Stands for | Cesarean section |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
C-section stands for Cesarean section, an obstetrics & gynecology abbreviation.
Surgical delivery of a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus, performed for reasons such as failure of labor to progress, fetal distress, abnormal position, placenta previa or a previous cesarean. About a third of US births are by cesarean.
Example: Primary C-section for arrest of dilation at 6 cm; low transverse uterine incision.
Usage notes
The name has often been linked to Julius Caesar, but that story is considered a myth; it more likely comes from Roman law or the Latin caedere, to cut. Most modern cesareans use a low transverse uterine incision, which allows a later trial of labor. Also written cesarean delivery or, in British spelling, caesarean section. Global cesarean rates have risen steadily since the 1990s.
Related abbreviations
More obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations
- BCP – Birth control pill
- BPD – Biparietal diameter
- BPP – Biophysical profile
- BSO – Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
- BTL – Bilateral tubal ligation
- BV – Bacterial vaginosis
- CIN – Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
- COC – Combined oral contraceptive
- CRL – Crown-rump length
- CS – Cesarean section
- CST – Contraction stress test
- CVS – Chorionic villus sampling
See all 89 obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.