Occasionally, one may be offered before labour starts. Either way, you will be fully informed throughout your birth journey of any concerns, as well as why we would be offering you a C-section.  

If you are thinking of having a C-section, an elective C-section, without a pre-existing medical reason, please talk to your midwife or obstetrician as early in the pregnancy as possible. Our experienced staff will listen to your wishes, be able to answer any questions you have and provide you with the information and support you need in order to make an informed decision.

The Royal College of Obstertricians and Gynaecologists also have some useful information on c-section births. 

What happens during a C-section?  

Ideally, you will be awake and accompanied by your birth partner or supporter. You won’t feel pain, but you can expect to feel some tugging and pulling. A screen will be put across your chest so that you cannot see what is being done but please be assured that your doctor will inform you of everything that is happening.  

Your birth partner is welcome to stay with you and will be directed into a changing room to put on suitable clothes before joining you.  

Your birth partner will be shown to a relatives’ waiting area just outside the theatre if you are under a general anaesthetic where they can wait for you. Our team will keep your partner informed of your progress, and will make sure that they're waiting for your when you awaken in our recovery area. Your birth partner can also be present at the time that a spinal anaesthetic is commenced. Further information is available about choice of anaesthetics – please visit our patient information leaflets section. 

After some time in our recovery area, you will be transferred onto a postnatal ward. You will feel some discomfort which is expected after major surgery. For a while, it may be difficult to stand or sit up straight and it can even hurt to laugh, but we will ensure that pain relief options and support are discussed with you before you go home. 

A caesarean birth is an abdominal operation, and it will take time to heal. Allow your body time to recover. There are several layers of stitches in your lower abdomen that will take time to heal so increase your activities gradually. 

Key points to help your recovery: 

  • Take regular pain relief – ask your midwife or doctor for advice
  • Always wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing 
  • Keep your skin clean and wash regularly, especially in your groin area
  • Wash your wound regularly with plain water (no soap until healed) and gently pat it dry
  • If you have a standard dressing, this can be removed 6-24 hours following the birth, but often you may feel more comfortable leaving it on until you are discharged home from hospital. Some dressings, called Pico dressings need to stay in place for seven days as these help the wound heal by using a negative pressure.
  • If you notice your wound dressing has become wet or is peeling away it should be removed
  • If your wound becomes hot, swollen or there is a smelly discharge, please inform your midwife/ GP
  • When you need to cough, sneeze or laugh, lean forwards, supporting your wound – use your hands or a small towel
  • If breastfeeding, try lying down on your side to feed, as it takes the pressure off your incision (cut)
  • Try to avoid any activity that causes strain for the first six weeks like; carrying heavy shopping, or lifting toddlers
  • Try not to lift anything heavier than your new baby for at least six weeks
  • Prepare a table by your bed or chair that has everything you need on it. Look after yourself as well as your baby.
  • It is important to start pelvic floor exercises following a caesarean birth as the extra weight you have carried during the pregnancy may have weakened these muscles that help with bladder and bowel control. 

Before driving again

Check with your insurance company that you are covered: this will normally be after four to six weeks and some companies require your GP to certify that you are fit to drive. This is because you must be able to perform an emergency stop safely without discomfort. 

If you had a caesarean birth, it does not mean that you will have to have a caesarean birth again in future. You can discuss future options with your obstetrician (maternity doctor) or GP.