A Caesarean section, or C-section, is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made across your tummy, just below your bikini line. It is a major operation so there are some things to consider if you are thinking about choosing this type of birth.
Some people choose to have a Caesarean but it can also be recommended by your consultant if this is safest for you and your baby.
If doctors are worried about you or your baby during labour and they feel that a vaginal birth will be too risky, this is when you might need an emergency Caesarean.
Asking for a Caesarean
You can choose to have a Caesarean for non-medical reasons. If you ask for a Caesarean, your midwife or doctor will discuss this with you to help you make an informed decision. They will explain the risks and benefits to you and your baby compared with a vaginal birth and support you with making a choice about how you would like to give birth.
If you’re anxious about giving birth vaginally, please discuss this with your midwife who will answer your questions and offer further support.
If you decide that a Caesarean is the type of birth you would like, your midwife will explain what happens next and when to expect the date of your planned Caesarean. In the days leading up to your Caesarean you can change your mind – please get in touch with your midwife to discuss this.
Things to consider
A Caesarean is a very safe procedure, but like any type of surgery there are some risks and possible complications. These include:
- infection of the wound or womb lining
- excessive bleeding
- damage to nearby areas, such as the bladder or the tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder
- temporary breathing difficulties in your baby
- accidentally cutting your baby when your womb is opened
- problems in future pregnancies
Your birth plan and preferences
Your birth plan is your chance to tell us what you would like for your birth. There are some choices you can make if you are having a Caesarean birth. Please discuss your birth plan with your midwife.
Preparing for your planned Caesarean Section
We advise everyone to be well rested and eating a healthy, balanced diet especially in the last few days before birth. This will help you recover more quickly from the operation and have the best start to life with your newborn baby.
Do
- Eat a healthy balanced diet, especially in the last few days before birth
- Remove the hair from your bikini line (the theatre team can do this if you prefer)
- Have a bath or shower in the morning before coming into hospital
- Bring your glasses or contact lens case with you
- Bring a nightie, dressing gown and slippers (pyjamas are not suitable)
- Have a hat and nappy ready for your baby
Do not
- Use creams, talcum powder or make-up before coming into hospital
- Wear nail varnish, acrylic or gel nails
- Wear any jewellery including tongue and body piercings
On the day of your Caesarean Section
You will be given a theatre gown to wear and some elastic stockings which help to prevent blood clots in your legs. You may need a blood test in case of the small chance of needing a blood transfusion.
We will give you an estimated time for your Caesarean Section; however emergencies from Delivery Suite take priority and sometimes your delivery may be later in the day. Very occasionally your Caesarean may be delayed until the next day although we try very hard to avoid this. If there are delays, we will advise if you can drink clear fluids but no food.
Fasting information
You will be contacted the day before your scheduled Caesarean section to confirm what time you are required to fast from and what time to arrive on the ward. More detailed information about this can be found in the Caesarean Section leaflet.
Your birth partner
Your birth partner can come with you into theatre and stay with you throughout the birth of your baby. They will need to change into scrubs (a top, trousers and hat). They will sit next to you so they can offer reassurance, support and help you feel connected during the birth.
Your partner will be welcomed and supported by the team. We will guide them on where to sit or stand so that everyone can remain safe while caring for you and your baby.
Sometimes, for example if a general anaesthetic is needed, your birth partner may not be able to go into the operating theatre. If this happens, we will explain the reasons clearly and keep them updated. We know being apart can feel difficult, so wherever possible we will help you and your partner stay informed, involved and together throughout your baby’s birth and the early moments afterwards.
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How long will I have to stay in hospital?
If your Caesarean Section has been straight forward, you will be able to go home the day after your baby’s birth. You will be moved from the theatre recovery area to our postnatal ward and the exact time you can go home will depend on how you and baby are feeling. Once you are at home a community midwife will visit you. If you have any stitches or clips in your wound that need to be removed they will be taken out about five days after your operation.
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