C-Section

The growing C-section rate is always the subject of debate and is one that is closely associated with Hollywood. Though the home-birth movement is gaining momentum among celebs, one-third of all births still come via surgery. Whether moms are "too posh to push" and schedule their deliveries in advance or end up going under the knife after hours (and sometimes days) of labor, plenty of Tinseltown mamas first meet their lil ones in the operating room. Check out 23 celeb moms who've gone this route.

The hospital trip is a bit different when you're having a scheduled delivery. With over 30 percent of all American births coming via c-section, many mamas-to-be know they are going in for surgery. Whether the Cesarean was deemed necessary for medical reasons, or if the mama-to-be insisted on it, women who know they will be undergoing the knife need to pack a lil differently than those delivering vaginally. Load up your suitcase with clothing and toiletries to get through the three to five days you'll be in the hospital, and don't forget to toss in these nine items!

After nine (almost 10) months of pregnancy, some mamas will do almost anything to get their babies out. And while many expectant women enter the hospital with a birth plan in place, once they know the end is in sight, they're often willing to try it all. Consumer Reports recently compiled a list of 10 overused birthing procedures that can put both Mom and her tot at risk during delivery. Take a look at the list and tell us if you have engaged in any of them!

Having a c-section isn't something most women wish for, but it doesn't have to be a scary experience. Going into the procedure with some knowledge of what to expect helps mamas-to-be prepare for their post-surgery experience. We've rounded up some of the biggest surprises women face after leaving the operating room.

One in every three babies birthed in the United States is now born via c-section, making the procedure the most common operation in American hospitals. In a report issued last year, the Centers for Disease Control found that the nation's c-section rate increased by 53 percent between 1996 and 2007, to an all time high of 32 percent. Though women have c-sections for many reasons, approximately 40 percent of the procedures are performed on women who already gave birth via cesarean – meaning many of these births are scheduled in advance. Knowing you are giving birth on a certain date and time gives an expectant mama plenty of time to prepare for her impending arrival. Here are eight things she can do to prepare for the big day. And don't forget to check out what to pack and what to expect after your surgery.