We offer antenatal classes that cover all the topics below and more.
Planned caesarean section
What is a caesarean section?
A caesarean section is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb.
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.
It can be a planned / elective or emergency caesarean.
Around 1 in 4 pregnant women in the UK has a caesarean birth.
More information
Why caesareans are carried out
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.
Planned caesareans are usually done from the 39th week of pregnancy.
A caesarean may be carried out for numerous reasons including worries with yours or baby’s observations during labour, your baby is breech (bottom down), certain infections, or if your placenta is low lying.
More information
What happens in the weeks before your caesarean section?
You will see a doctor at the hospital by 36 weeks of pregnancy and they will go through a consent form, including risks and benefits, and book your caesarean section date. They will give you a prescription for some medication to take prior to your section.
We will offer a pre assessment appointment prior to your caesarean section, where a midwife from the theatre team will speak to you and go through a checklist. They will explain where to go on the day of your birth. You can talk to them about your birth plan and any preferences.
More information
What happens on the day of your caesarean?
You will meet the midwife from the theatre team, as well as the doctor and anaesthetist. You can ask questions you may have at that time.
The operation can take 40 – 50 minutes or more sometimes.
You can have one support person with you in theatre. As soon as baby is born we will offer you skin to skin contact with baby. Following the operation you will move into the recovery area, before moving to the ward.
Recovering from a caesarean section
Recovering from a caesarean usually takes longer than recovering from a vaginal delivery.
The average stay in hospital after a caesarean is around 1-3 days.
You may experience some discomfort for the first few days. You’ll be offered painkillers to help with this.
When you go home, you’ll need to take things easy at first. You may need to avoid some activities, such as driving, until you have had your postnatal check‑up with the doctor at 6 weeks.
The wound in your tummy will eventually form a scar. It is important you keep this area clean and dry and if you have any concerns speak to your midwife.
