Having a Caesarean section

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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
blood clots
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

Find out more about the risks of a Caesarean

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.

I would like music played in theatre (some surgeons may prefer you to wear headphones)
I would like the drapes lowered when baby is born
I’m having a surprise and would like to discover the sex of my baby myself
I’m having a surprise and would like my partner to tell me the sex of our baby
I would like skin to skin in theatre
I would like to take photos in theatre
I would like delayed cord clamping
I would like my baby to receive Vitamin K by: Injection / Oral route

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.

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.