Australia's mothers and babies data visualisations

Caesarean section describes a method of birth in which the baby is removed directly from the uterus through an incision in the mother’s abdomen. This procedure is generally performed when vaginal delivery is likely to pose a risk to the health of the mother or baby, or in scenarios such as stalled labour or unsuccessful vaginal delivery.

The majority of mothers who had a previous caesarean section had a repeat caesarean section. Having had a previous caesarean section was the most common main reason for having a caesarean section.

Of mothers who have previously given birth, approximately 1 in 4 had at least one previous caesarean section. This rate decreased as the number of previous caesarean sections increased. The number of previous caesarean sections differed little by remoteness or socioeconomic status of the mother’s usual residence.