Caesarean Section

Having a Caesarean Section

For a variety of reasons your doctor may feel it necessary for your baby to be delivered by caesarean section. You may need a section for the wellbeing of you or your baby. It is a major operation so it is only natural to feel anxious about it.

Having a caesarean section
Sometimes the safest option for you or your baby is to have a caesarean section. This is major surgery therefore it is only carried out when it is necessary.
Your baby is delivered by cutting through your abdomen and then into your uterus (womb). This cut is usually made across your lower abdomen, just below your bikini line.
The scar is usually hidden in your pubic hair.
If you are pregnant with twins, triplets or more, it is more likely you will be considered for a caesarean section. This will depend on how your pregnancy is progressing, the position of your babies and where the placenta is.
If your doctor suggests a caesarean section, the reason for your section and any possible side effects will be discussed in detail with you. Please make sure you ask you doctor any questions concerning you about the procedure.

Emergency Caesarean Section
An emergency caesarean section is necessary when complications develop during pregnancy or labour and delivery needs to be quick.
If your midwife or doctor are concerned about you or your baby they will suggest that you will have a caesarean section immediately for example if labour slows down and the cervix is not dilating, or the baby is getting distressed or if you have a bleed during labour.

Elective caesarean section (planned)
A caesarean section is elective if it is planned in advance. This is usually planned if your doctor believes that labour would not be a good option for you or your baby for example if your baby is lying in the breech position that is feet/bottom first.
If you ask for an elective caesarean section where there aren’t medical reasons you should be able to talk to your midwife and doctor on the risks and benefits of a caesarean section compared with a vaginal delivery. If you are anxious you should be given the opportunity to discuss your anxiety with your midwife and doctor who can offer support during your pregnancy and labour.

Carrying out a caesarean section
Most caesarean sections are performed under epidural or spinal anaesthetic which reduces the risk and means that you are awake for the birth of your baby. A general anaesthetic is when you are asleep and is sometimes used in an emergency and the baby needs to be delivered quickly.
If you have an epidural or spinal anaesthetic you will not feel any pain, but you may experience pulling or tugging as your baby is born.
A screen will be placed between you and the doctor so you will not be able to see what is going on. The doctor will talk to you during the caesarean section to keep up informed of what is happening. It takes approximately 10 minutes to deliver the baby and the whole operation takes approximately 50 – 60 minutes.
It is a great advantage having an epidural or spinal anaesthetic as you and your partner can see and hold the baby immediately.

Recovery from a caesarean section.
After a caesarean section, once your epidural or spinal anaesthetic wears off you will be sore and experience pain but you will be given pain killers to help.
Some hospitals fit you with a catheter which is a small tube that fits into your bladder for up to 24 hours.
You may be given daily injections to prevent blood clots.
You will be helped out of bed by your midwife or physiotherapist and encouraged to move around as soon as possible. The physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help you mobilise.
Some girls remain in hospital for up to 4 – 5 days
You will be given help with your baby

Vaginal birth after a caesarean section (VBAC)
Most women who had a caesarean section can have a vaginal delivery in their next pregnancy. It depends on why you had your caesarean section first time.
Please discuss your options with your midwife and doctor.

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