Prior to 1500, postmortem Caesarean Section (CS) was advocated and occasionally carried out as an effort to save the child. Caesarean section on the living woman was first advocated during the 16^th and 17th centuries but was opposed by the leading authorities of the day. During the 18th century and the first half of the 19th, understanding of the mechanism of labor improved. Caesarean section was advocated when a woman could not be delivered by any other means. However, many opposed Caesarean section because of the maternal mortality associated with this procedure. Important developments during the last half of the 19th century included anaesthesia, improved surgical techniques, and the introduction of asepsis and antiseptic procedures. A gradual reduction in maternal mortality followed, with a striking decrease throughout the 20th century. The safety of CS saw the uprising of its incidence, inclusion of new indications including even the patient’s request or demand.

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