A caesarean section is a major operation. It is only performed if there is a clinical need.

During labour if any complications develop the midwife and doctor will discuss with you why a caesarean delivery is needed and the operation can usually be done by either spinal anaesthesia or by topping up an existing epidural. This means you can usually be awake during your operation and can see and hold your baby as soon as possible. Your partner will be able to stay at your side during your operation.

Your obstetric consultant usually discusses and plans with you for an elective caesarean section if labour is judged to be inappropriate for you or your baby. Current recommendations are that the baby is at least 39 weeks as there is evidence that babies born before 39 weeks may have breathing problems and need special care. However there will be circumstances clinically indicated where your baby might need to be delivered early. The reasons for early delivery would be discussed with you. A paediatrician would be present at your delivery and your baby may require being cared for in our Neonatal Unit for a period of time.

If you have been booked for an elective caesarean section you will either be admitted the evening before your operation or early in the morning to prepare you for theatre. You will need to have fasted from midnight (no food or drink). You will be prepared for theatre on the ward and then transferred to the Labour Ward. Please ask your midwife or obstetrician any questions you may have about procedures.

The majority of women have their caesarean section under regional anaesthesia (spinal or epidural). This is because:

you and your partner can participate in the birth
it is safer than a general anaesthetic
a general anaesthetic can also make the baby'sleepy' at delivery

Spinal - used most commonly for elective caesarean section
Epidural - usually used for women who already have an epidural sited for labour
Combined epidural/spinal- used in special circumstances where the anaesthetist needs more control of the situation such as raised blood pressure
General anaesthesia - always an option if the above are insufficient but usually reserved for certain emergency situations where there is not time to site a spinal or epidural.

If you have had one baby by caesarean section this will not necessarily mean you cannot have a vaginal birth for a future baby.