There are many circumstances when a Caesarean delivery can prevent medical problems a baby or a mother. There are also times when medical necessity mandates an operative delivery for mothers' or babies' safety.

Elective Caesarean delivery without medical indications increases the likelihood of premature delivery of a baby.

Any miscalculation can lead to increased morbidity and even mortality from lung disease of prematurity and other complications of "being born too soon."

Jay Gordon, MD, FAAP