Caesarean section (CC) is the most commonly performed obstetrical operating procedure in the world. According to the WHO recommendations only 10–15 percent of all births should end with CC for medical reasons, while in 2008 the number of cesarean deliveries in Poland amounted to 30 percent. The cesarean section has undoubtedly many advantages, among others reduces the risk of threatening fetal asphyxia, meconium aspiration syndrome and perinatal injury. Most women, however, do not realize the risks cesarean sections imply. Research shows that children born through CC are in a group of an increased risk of disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory system, digestive system, increased risk of obesity and allergies. Not without significance is the impact of operational termination of pregnancy on the child's psyche. The increase in the number of CC carried out as an alternative to the physiological childbirth (PSN) is not disturbing if it is the result of the current medical indication. Alarming is, however, an increase in the number of cuts carried out due to the choice made by women, who often is not fully aware of the risks.

Key words: parturition, natural childbirth, cesarean section, child development, newborn, breast feeding.