At a glance

A Caesarean section can be done after 37 weeks of pregnancy, but it is advisable not to perform before 39 weeks of pregnancy.

C-section should be recommended only when natural birth might pose risk to the mother or baby, and the indications include dystocia (prolonged labor or a failure to progress), pregnancy-induced hypertension, cord prolapse, uterine rupture, severe heart problem of mother or baby, and overweight of the baby.

Even with indications presenting, C-section is not always necessary, because as with all surgeries, a C-section is associated with health risks, and it needs doctors and midwives' experience and discretion to make decision.