Abstract
Caesarean section is the most common surgical procedure performed on women world-wide. Caesarean delivery has been practiced for ages, although originally as a universally post-mortem procedure.
It is referred to in the myths and folklore of many ancient societies. The development in its technique was gradual over many centuries.
Since the renaissance, the objective of the procedure has gradually shifted towards saving the lives of both the mother and the child, and this has become ever more possible, as maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity decreased dramatically during the twentieth century. Caesarean section has also become a reasonable option for operative delivery with the availability of anaesthesia and procedures to control haemorrhage and prevent infection.
Present indications are not only concerned with the safety and health of the mother and the child, but also with mother's desires and preferences.