A caesarean section is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your abdomen (tummy) and womb. It's also known as a 'C-section'.
The cut is usually made across your tummy, just below your belly button. The operation generally lasts around 45 minutes.
Some caesarean births are planned. Others are emergency caesarean births, when complications happen during labour.
A spinal anaesthetic or epidural is used in most caesarean births. This means you're awake during the operation but you do not feel any pain.