A Brief History
On July 12, 100 B.C., Julius Caesar was born by what many believe to have been the first Caesarian section.
Digging Deeper
Today it is generally assumed that Caesar was not born by Caesarian section, as C-sections were only performed on dead women in Roman times, and there are many accounts of Caesar’s mother, Aurelia, being alive well into Caesar’s adulthood.
So, how did this surgical procedure come to be associated with one of the greatest generals in recorded time? This belief has certainly been around a long time; and many Western names for the procedure include some derivative of Caesar in some form or another, for example the German name for it is “Kaiserschnitt” which literally translates into “Emperor’s cut”.
Some believe this misassociation has its roots in the writings of the Roman author, Pliny the Elder. In his work on the Caesar family, he described the first Caesar as having been removed by an incision in his mother’s womb. Of course Julius Caesar was not the first Caesar, as he came from a long line of Roman Republican statesmen bearing this family name and, save his son with Cleopatra, was technically the last.
Whatever the exact origin, the surgical procedure is still properly named, just not for the Gaius Julius Caesar who nearly became Rome’s first emperor before being stabbed to death in the Senate, but rather for one of his ancestors.
In Caesar’s time, cutting the abdomen of the mother to retrieve the child would have meant death for the mother. Advancements in medicine, especially proper hygiene, have, in the meantime, made the Caesarian section a viable alternative for women experiencing difficulty in childbirth and for baby’s experiencing distress during labor. The first record of a woman surviving the ordeal comes from 16th century Switzerland when a pig castrator aided his wife in delivery. The first successful C-section in America took place in 1794 by a doctor who performed it on his wife in what is now Virginia.
Once meant as a life-saving alternative, today approximately 1/3 of all children in the United States are delivered by C-section. There are many reasons for this, many of them controversial. The typical indications would be an emergency or compromised health of the mother, such as hypertension, or the breech position of the baby (usually only 3% of babies are breech – i.e. not head-down the pelvis), but nowadays many C-sections are being scheduled to fit into busy doctors’ work calendars. In addition, the surgical procedure is more lucrative for clinics as they get paid more by health insurance companies for doing it and for the subsequent longer hospital stay of the mother than for normal vaginal delivery.
The growing trend is also being influenced by celebrities who seem to select this method of birth at an unusually high rate. Such ladies are often described as being “too posh to push”. Some of the superficial reasons for this may include: 1) Opting to give birth between 8 and 9 months rather than letting the baby go to term. This way the mother can avoid the stretch marks and other scarring changing to her body that occur shortly before birth; 2) Preventing stretching of the vagina and tearing of the perineum so that her lady parts stay tight and attractive; 3) The performance of a tummy tuck immediately following the C-section so that the mother can bounce back to her pre-pregnancy shape much faster. These are, of course, only rumors…
Other woman may simply be afraid to go through the pains of childbirth. What is often forgotten, though, is that the act of childbirth has evolved to form a special bond between mother and child. While pushing, hormones are being released in the mother, and while traveling down the birth canal, the baby is also experiencing a flux of hormones which help it connect to its mother. The act of then placing the child on the mother’s breast strengthens the connection for both mother and child. Additionally, vaginal birth stimulates babys’ cardiovascular systems and exposes them to their mothers’ protective bacteria that strengthen their immune system. All of this is missing when a woman selects a Caesarian section. Rates of post-partum depression are higher in women on whom C-sections are performed and are believed to be due to the less contact a mother has with her child immediately following birth. Furthermore, when a baby is pushed through the birth canal, it expels the amniotic fluids that are in its lungs. Babies born via C-sections are more prone to respiratory infections following birth and to suffering from asthma in childhood and adulthood. Lastly, most C-sections are scheduled before the estimated due date which could mean that some babies, though near term, may not be fully developed.
As glamorous as may sometimes be depicted, Caesarian sections are still complicated surgical procedures accompanied by many risks. The true medical need for one should always be discussed with one’s doctor. They have their place in the modern world and are sometimes necessities, but the fact that over 30% of American children are now born this way, and most of them by choice, is alarming. Just because a Caesarian section will not typically kill women like it would have in Caesar’s time does not mean that they should do it without careful consideration.
Question for students (and subscribers): Do you know anyone who was born by Caesarian section? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Lurie, Samuel, M.D. The History of Cesarean Section (Obstetrics and Gynecology Advances/Surgery Procedures, Complications, and Results). Nova Biomedical, 2013.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="2925 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=2925">68 Comments
Dear readers of Cracked History, What other common misconceptions about historical events are you familiar with? Sincerely, Matthew
I am familiar with the misconception of Benjamin Franklin and his Kite. in 1752 when his kite was struck by lightning, electricity was already known of at the time. In fact, Benjamin Franklin was trying to prove the electrical nature of lightning. 🙂 – Amanda Lint
A misconception that I am familiar with is the Salem Witch trials where it was believed that people who were accused of being a witch were burned at the stake. When in fact it didn’t happened because the method that was mainly used was being hanged.
You are correct. This misconception comes from Europe where religious heretics were often burned at the stake; traitors were more likely to be hanged.
I think that many historical events are misconceived in some manner. We could start with the idea that Christopher Columbus “discovered” America, when in truth there were others before him, and he was not the first to “stumble” across this land. Many inventions have also been credited to those who may have introduced the concept on a mass scale, but not necessarily the ones who’s idea it originally was. That, in my opinion, is what made the need for copyright laws so important. This is a very interesting article, I love learning new theories.
Another misconception about Columbus is that he was one of the few people who the Earth was round during that time period. By that time the idea that the Earth was not flat had been around for awhile and was common knowledge.
I thought learning about this misconception was interesting. Honestly, I never really thought about what cesarean section was named after, or in this case, mistakenly named after. Also, Columbus did discover the americas, just not what would become the United States of America. He landed on an island in the Caribbean. Also, there were others, who found the land of the Americas, i.e. Leaf Erickson, who didnt know he had stumbled across unclaimed territory and I think the other person was Amerigo Vespucci, who was before Columbus and who the Americas is named after.
A misconception about Paul Revere is that he actually did not say “The British are coming!”. If he would have shouted this from upon his horse he most likely would have gotten shot by the British reserves already stationed in the colonies. His actual message “The regulars are coming” was said discreetly.
I think it’s really interesting how the C-section actually refers to Julius Caesar’s birth. It’s hard to believe how it was possible for the mother to go through a procedure like that during a time where medicine and technology were extremely limited.
I thought it was unique they only performed that pucedure on dead women, instill of alive as well. I also thought it was interesting that the German ohrase “kaiserschnitt ” means emporores cut.
I never knew about the Caesarean section being named after Julius, so interesting!
I never knew that the ‘c’ in c-section was named after Caesar, that’s crazy!
I have always found it fascinating to find out the origins of a word (like Caesarean). — DAVID WARDLE
I did not know that the term C-Section was named after Julius Caeser. Not only was he one of the greatest leaders in history but also a medical term thats crazy.
Like others, I was unaware that Cesarian was a reference to Caesar. It’s interesting to learn that it was in fact not Julius Caesar but a Caesar that came before him. I also found it quite interesting and rather absurd that due to the scheduling of the doctor, he may opt to perform a c-section. It seems bizarre and almost mind boggling.
I guess I never thought about what the “C” stood for until now.
Who would have thought that caesar would have such an impact on how our population is growing today in 2014, its surreal to think that after thousands of years he is just as important.
I think that maybe from the way Julius Caesar was killed, by the multiple stab wounds to the abdomen. Later on when they did start to perform c-section they could have compared it to Julius getting stabbed
I never thought about ancient centuries performing C-sections and never Caesar. I am very surprised to hear the history of the C-section and where they where and when they were performed around the world. I didn’t know the C-section that was in the United States was to early in time. I thought 1700’s was very early for that new technology and I would be also interested to hear when “plastic’ surgery might have happened in history. Any type of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.
I can’t believe that the C in C-section comes from Caesar; and what type of terrible doctor insists on an operation because he has dinner plans?
-JH!
I had no idea that this is where the “C” in C-section came from. I find it funny that there is a term such as this one that is such a common word to say and is an action that is done constantly and the percentage of people who actually know why it is called a C-section or the history behind it is so small.
I did not know that c-section stood for Caesarian section, but it’s ironic that Julius Caesar wasn’t born by a Caesarian section.
I never knew that c-section stood for that. Kind of weird how he wasn’t even born that way yet that’s where they get the name.
I had no idea that a C section came from how Caesar was born! I never thought of where it’s name came from, I always just thought it was a medical term. It is also interesting how far we have come in medicine since then and how common a c section is today
It is mind blowing that the term C-section originated from Caesar. Interesting article, makes you think how the medical industry has changed since then.
I didn’t know the C-section was named after Julius Caesar. It’s also interesting how the procedure can move from a last ditch effort performed on the dead to the preferred method of delivery for many women.
I was very surprised to learn that the c-section comes from Caesar. Its hard to imagine such a complex medical procidure in a time when medicine and technology were so limited compared to today
I did not know that C-section referred to Julius Caesar but it does make sense. Very interesting that C-sections were being done in the late 1700s without killing the mother.
I’m really surprised to read that 1/3 of American children are delivered through c-sections.
It’s interesting that C-sections can be traced back to Julius Ceasar even though in that time period it would have been impossible without the mother dying. Also, it is sad that so many woman are having C-sections when they don’t have to. As it was said in the article, it is still a risky procedure that is not completely 100% safe to the mother as well as the child.
I was also unaware that a Caesarian Section was named after Caesar. Even stranger is that Caesar was not even born by caesarian section!
I had no idea that the C-Section was ever associated with Caesar. I think that C-Sections are used more that they should.
History is full of numerous misconceptions such as the example below about how christopher columbus was the first person to travel to america, or certain ways leaders were put to death that have been exaggerated, and now this misconception that Caesar was born by c-section. His name does resemble the word “cesarean” though.
Trying to imagine that C-section is in connection with Julius Ceasar is weird to think about since he was a ruler.
Never knew that C-Sections came from Ceasar, but after reading this article it does make a lot of sense.
One common misconception would be that History books tell us that Nero started the Great Fire of Rome, then fiddling while the city burned. Now we know that there are many problems with this account. One being the violin wasn’t even invented and would remain that way for another 1,600 years and that he was at his villa, miles away from Rome, when the fire began.
I always heard C section and never thought about it relating to Caesar.
I never knew before that the term “C-section” had anything to do with Caesar. Quite and interesting thing to know.
It’s crazy how a once serious procedure of fatal consequence from the time where it gained its name, is now used for convenience by many today.
i never knew the c section had ties to one of the greatest generals in history. Also never knew it was only done on dead women during those times in history and caused so many risks back then. since today it is widely use to give birth.
I did not know that the c-section was introduced because of Julius Caesar! Wow. You do hear a lot about about c-sections today, but I had no idea that it had ties with Julius Caesar. There is a history and a story behind everything.
I had no idea how many changes a newborn goes through while passing through the vaginal canal during childbirth. This is interesting information, and good reason for mothers to not opt for a C-section unless absolutely necessary.
this is very interesting to see that people really think that Caesar was born through a c-section, i honestly dont know what i think happened though
I never thought of Caesar when I heard Caesarian section. Luckily, I did not need to have this done when I gave birth. I think the medical community is really trying to cut down on the number of C sections performed. But I now wonder how exactly the procedure got named.
I feel we have a lot of history misconceptions throughout our life time or do not realize where sayings/images originated from. The example in this read was ” C- section” coming from Caesar, but another common one would be the pilgrims and their clothing. We tend to think they wore all black with hats that have buckles on them, but really they dressed quite normal with colors.
I feel like no one ever knows what truly happened. It definitely would have been very dangerous (deadly) to have a C section without the medical advancements we have today
I cant believe they even considered c-sections back during that time. we have made so many technological advancements since that time
Just as many people ask what the first person who ate an egg was thinking, I wonder what the first person to perform a c-section expected. Did they expect the baby to be alive? And if not, why did they open up the mother? Either way it is incredible to see how far the medical field has come when it comes to caring for mothers and their infants.
Back in the day giving birth was so much more dangerous. I don’t think that history is always right but if she had him without a c-section that is scary to think about. It is also weird to think they had c-section way back then.
It being meant as a last resort to save lives, people do way too many unnecessary C-Sections today and for selfish or dumb reasons. I also always wondered what C-Section stood for. I thought the “C” was a medical term, I would never have guessed it was about Caesar.
Wow i had no idea, now everytime i hear of someone having a C section im gonna think of the Caesars!
Funny how something could be named after someone even if it didn’t apply to him/her. I did not realize some of the downsides of C-sections and how high the rates of performing them are becoming.
My Aunt recently gave birth to my cousin through c-section. I did not have much knowledge of the operation before that day, but it is interesting to learn about the operation after the success of my Aunt’s operation.
I had no idea C-sections were becoming so common.
I had no idea where C-Sections came from or alot of the downsides that come along with them since they are such a common and easy procedure today.
The videos really helped!
This is very interesting. First off, I had no idea that the C in C-section meant Cesarean. I guess I just never questioned it. Being a C-section myself, I am lucky to be alive because of it since I was turned the wrong way and risked injury if I were to be naturally born.
It’s hard for me to understand how a C section is easier on the body than a natural birth. How is doing something unnatural and down right really painful, like cutting through muscle and displacing organs, less painful than a natural birth?
If a woman decides to have a C-section that is her decision and it is literally no one else’s business. If she is aware of the risks and benefits and she makes the decision, then good for her. Honestly I don’t know why I am reading this. It is a woman’s opinion on giving birth thinly disguised as a history article on Caesar. Also, Trever, you are a man so even if I explain to you that it is obvious you have little knowledge on C-sections (displacing organs? really?) and that it may be painful recovering from one but actually natural birth is EXCRUCIATING, you still wont be able to understand something you will never go through .
I find it interesting that they could successfully preform a C- section all the way back in the 16th Century.
Learn something new all the time, had no idea that is where the term came from!
I thought it was interesting that the first documented C-section was performed by a pig castrator.
It is interesting to know that C-section birth has been around as long as it has.
i find it interesting that so many women still have c-sections even since the earliest was performed so long ago
C- sections are a very common alternative for mothers who are having trouble during delivery. My mother had to have two C-sections due to difficulty.
It’s interesting to learn where that term came from.
Wow i never considered why a c section was named the way it was! Even if it wasn’t about Julius but one of his relatives! I think i would rather give regular birth reading all of the health benefits it has compared to a c section.
I finally understand where the word came from and it is very satisfying to know