Pregnancy comes with plenty of unknowns, and certain medical situations call for a different plan for birth to protect both you and your baby. Cesarean is a common surgery, with 32% of babies being born via C-section on average.
At the OB/GYN practice of A. Michael Coppa, MD, you receive one-on-one, personalized care from a board-certified physician with more than 25 years of experience delivering babies and managing high-risk pregnancies.
Our team supports you through every step of your birth plan, including whether or not a C-section is necessary, so you know exactly what to expect.
A Cesarean is a surgery performed through small incisions in your abdomen and uterus. Most C-sections are done with spinal or epidural anesthesia, so you stay awake and alert while remaining comfortable. In some urgent situations, general anesthesia may be used.
The procedure usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Many patients can enjoy early skin-to-skin contact soon after birth, depending on the delivery.
C-sections may be planned or performed unexpectedly during labor. In either case, the goal is always to keep you and your baby safe. Here are everyday situations when your OBGYN may recommend a C-section.
Ideally, your baby should move into a head-down position before labor. When a baby is breech (feet-first or bottom-first), a vaginal birth becomes riskier, increasing the chance of complications like cord compression.
If Dr. Coppa detects a breech presentation, he may attempt to gently perform an external cephalic version. When this isn’t successful or isn’t recommended due to safety concerns, a scheduled C-section is usually the safest plan.
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, blocking the baby's exit. Attempting a vaginal delivery in this situation can cause dangerous bleeding for both you and your baby.
A planned C-section protects against these risks and promotes safe delivery. Dr. Coppa closely monitors placental placement throughout pregnancy so you’re fully aware of your options.
Carrying multiples raises the stakes during childbirth. Babies may share a placenta, compete for space, or settle into positions that aren’t safe for vaginal delivery.
Because of these added challenges, many mothers carrying multiples deliver by planned C-section. This helps avoid complications like cord entanglement, preterm delivery challenges, or babies getting stuck in the birth canal.
If you’ve had a C-section before, you might need another one depending on the type of uterine incision you previously received and the reason for the first surgery. While some patients are good candidates for a vaginal birth after Cesarean, others face a higher risk of uterine rupture during labor.
During labor, our team closely monitors your baby’s heart rate to see how well they’re tolerating contractions. If the heart rate drops or shows patterns suggesting the baby is under stress or not receiving enough oxygen, an urgent C-section may be needed.
While an emergency C-section can feel overwhelming, it can prevent severe complications and protect your baby’s long-term health.
No two pregnancies are alike, and your birth plan should reflect that. At the practice of Dr. A. Michael Coppa, you’re never just another chart. Dr. Coppa and the rest of our dedicated team personally guide you through your pregnancy, closely monitor your progress, and ensure your delivery plan aligns with your medical needs and birth preferences.
If you’re pregnant or planning to be, now is the perfect time to get expert guidance. Contact us to schedule a prenatal visit with Dr. Coppa today, and take the first step toward a safe, supported, and confident delivery experience.
