A caesarean birth is when your baby is born through an incision (cut) in your abdomen (tummy) and womb. It's also called a C-section.
The cut is usually made across your tummy, just below your belly button. The operation takes about 45 minutes.
A spinal anaesthetic or epidural is used in most caesarean births. This is an injection in your back that stops you feeling pain. You are awake during the operation.
You may need a C-section for medical reasons. You cannot usually decide to have a C-section instead of a vaginal birth, especially if it is your first baby. If you had a C-section in the past, you may choose to have a caesarean.
Types of caesarean births
Caesarean operations are either:
- an emergency operation
- a planned (elective) operation
Emergency caesarean birth
You may have an emergency caesarean if there are complications before or during labour. Your healthcare team may feel a vaginal birth is too risky for you or your baby's health.
They usually do an emergency caesarean if:
- labour is not progressing
- the baby needs to be born quickly
Things can move fast depending on how urgent the situation is for you or your baby. For example, if your baby is not getting enough oxygen.
You may need to have blood tests and to sign a consent form before the operation.
If you have an epidural tube in, the team can use this to give you pain relief. This means you'll be awake for the birth of your baby.
The team may use a general anaesthetic if that is faster. If you have a general anaesthetic, you'll be asleep for the operation.
Planned caesarean birth
Your team may recommend a planned caesarean for medical reasons. This is also called an elective caesarean.
You are usually given a date for the operation.
You may have a planned caesarean birth if:
- you had 1 or more caesarean births in the past
- your baby is positioned feet first (the breech position)
- your doctor thinks a vaginal birth is too difficult - for example, if the baby is measuring bigger than most babies
- there are complications - for example, the baby is not growing well or the placenta is too low (placenta praevia)
- the baby needs surgery and a timed birth is important
With an elective (planned) caesarean, you have time to prepare for the operation. Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of a caesarean.
