C-section Deliveries in Pennsylvania, 1999 - Top 15 Factors Contributing to C-section Deliveries

1. Previous C-section
    
2. Breech – fetus positioned buttocks down toward the birth canal rather than the normal head down position
    
3. High head at term – failure of the fetal head to enter the pelvic brim
    
4. Transverse or oblique presentation – fetus positioned horizontally in the uterus causing the shoulder to enter the birth canal first
    
5. Pre-eclampsia (severe) – condition developing late in pregnancy characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure, excessive, weight gain, generalized swelling, albumin in the urine, severe headache and visual disturbances
    
6. Placenta previa – placenta implanted at or near the cervical opening
    
7. Multiple gestation with malpresentation of one fetus or more – two or more fetuses present in the uterus with at least one fetus in an abnormal position for birth
    
8. Other specified malposition – other abnormal positions of the fetus in the uterus including compound presentation (multiple body parts are positioned to enter the birth canal simultaneously)
    
9. Chorioamnionitis – inflammation of fetal membranes most commonly due to bacterial or viral infection
    
10. Premature separation of placenta – placenta (entirely or only a portion) separates from the uterine wall prematurely (also called placental abruption)
     
11. Prolapsed cord – presentation of the umbilical cord through the cervix prior to the fetus
     
12. Obstruction from malpositioned fetus at onset of labor – fetus unable to pass through the birth canal due to an abnormal position
     
13. Mild pre-eclampsia – see pre-eclampsia (severe)
     
14. Oligohydramnios – decreased amount of amniotic fluid
     
15. Gestational diabetes – increased blood sugar resulting from pregnancy hormones that cause a resistance to insulin (develops during pregnancy and disappears after delivery)