Caesarean birth
Caesarean birth
A caesarean birth is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your abdomen (tummy) and womb. Around 1 in 4 pregnant women/birthing people in the UK have a caesarean birth.
The cut is usually made across your tummy, just below your bikini line.
A caesarean is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it's usually only done if it's the safest option for you and your baby.
A caesarean may be recommended as a planned (elective) procedure or done in an emergency if it's thought a vaginal birth is too risky. They're usually performed after the 38th week of pregnancy.
If there's time to plan the procedure, your midwife or doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of a caesarean compared with a vaginal birth.
A caesarean may be carried out because:
- your baby is in the breech position (feet first) and your doctor has been unable to turn them by applying gentle pressure to your tummy, or you would prefer they didn't try this
- you have a low lying (placenta praevia)
- you have pregnancy-related high blood pressure
- you have certain infections, such as a first gential herpes infection occurring late in pregnancy or untreated HIV
- your baby isn't getting enough oxygen and nutrients - sometimes this may mean the baby needs to be delivered immediately
- your labour isn't progressing or there's excessive vaginal bleeding
- you have had a previous caesarean birth
- you have chosen to have a caesarean for non-medical reasons
Unplanned (Emergency) Caesarean Birth
Events can happen very quickly if you are having an emergency operation, the speed of this will vary and depend on the reason/need for the caesarean.
- You will blood taken to check your blood group and antibodies and a full blood count. This will allow medical professionals to monitor you closely, this also ensures the correct blood type can be obtained if you require a blood transfusion if you lose blood during surgery. If you have any concerns about this, your medical team can discuss this with you.
- You will be given a medicine through a vein to reduce the acidity in your stomach
- You will be given a hospital gown to change into
- You will have a bikini shave if necessary, this may be done using clippers. This is to ensure that hair growth does not interfere with surgical incision and to reduce the risk of potential infection.
- Nail varnish, glasses, jewellery and contact lenses will be removed, this is to allow medical professionals to monitor you closely without any potential interference to equipment, this also reduces the risk of unwanted bacteria which can contribute to infection.
- a name-band will be put on your wrist.
You will then be taken to the operating theatre.
If you are having a spinal or epidural anaesthetic, your birth partner will be able to stay with you during your caesarean but will have to change into theatre clothes/scrubs. These will be provided for your birthing partner; they will be given a private space to change.
If you are going to have a general anaesthetic, your birth partner will be asked to stay outside the operating theatre.
If you are having a planned caesarean birth, you will have some routine blood tests done on the morning of the birth.
You will be asked to come into your local birthing centre/labour ward on the morning of the birth, you will be given directions/instructions by your midwifery team. You will be advised to take a medicine to reduce the acidity in your stomach. Your midwife will ask you to stop eating and drinking a few hours before your caesarean birth.
Before your operation/caesarean birth, the final preparations will take place. These will involve:
- changing into a hospital gown
- You will have a bikini shave if necessary, this may be done using clippers. This is to ensure that hair growth does not interfere with surgical incision and to reduce the risk of potential infection.
- removing nail varnish, glasses or contact lenses and jewellery.
- a name-band will be put on your wrist.
- Name bands will be prepared for your baby/babies
You and your birth partner, will then be taken to the operating theatre.
If you are having a spinal or epidural anaesthetic, your birth partner will be able to stay with you during your caesarean, but will have to change into theatre clothes/scrubs. It is recommended that your birthing partner wears loose comfortable clothing that is easy to change.
If you are going to have a general anaesthetic, your birth partner will be asked to wait outside the operating theatre. The team will ensure your birthing partner has a safe, comfortable space to wait in and will keep them updated and support them if they have any concerns.
Although you/your birth partner may be planning on having a vaginal birth, it is useful to gain knowledge/information on post-natal recovery in preparation for your birth. Please visit: Caring for you - Maternity (bswtogether.org.uk) to gain information about post-natal recovery, it is recommended that all birthing people read this section where possible.