Caesarean Section
A surgical delivery, planned ahead of your due date or decided during labour. It is done in a modular operating theatre with a paediatric team waiting for your baby.
- Planned or unplanned - both are done here
- Spinal anaesthetic, so you stay awake
- A paediatric team present for the baby
- About 45-60 minutes in theatre
Stay
Inpatient
Duration
About 45-60 minutes
Anaesthesia
Regional (spinal)
About Caesarean Section
A caesarean section delivers the baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. It may be planned ahead of your due date for medical reasons, or decided during labour. The procedure is performed in a modular operating theatre with a paediatric team present for the baby.
- A spinal anaesthetic numbs the lower half of your body; you stay awake
- The incision is low and horizontal in most cases
- Recovery is longer than a vaginal birth - expect around six weeks
- A previous caesarean does not always mean another one
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about caesarean section. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest caesarean section.
- Pregnancies where vaginal birth carries added risk
- Babies in breech or another difficult position
- Labour that is not progressing safely
- Some mothers with a previous caesarean
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Pre-operative assessment
Blood tests, a scan and an anaesthetic review are completed before a planned caesarean.
Anaesthesia
A spinal anaesthetic is usual, so you remain awake while the lower half of your body is numbed.
Delivery
The baby is delivered and handed to the paediatric team while the incision is closed.
Recovery
You are monitored in recovery before moving to your room, with pain relief and feeding support.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Blood tests and a pre-anaesthetic review are done before a planned caesarean
- You will be asked not to eat or drink for several hours beforehand
- Arrange help at home for the first couple of weeks
- Tell your team about any medication you take, especially blood thinners
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Expect a hospital stay of around three to four days
- You will be encouraged to move gently within a day to reduce clot risk
- Avoid heavy lifting and driving for around six weeks
- The wound is reviewed before discharge and again at your follow-up
Why families choose Humayun for a caesarean
A caesarean is surgery and a birth at the same time. Both halves need a team that is already in the room.
- Modular operating theatres on site, used for planned and unplanned caesareans alike
- A paediatric team receiving the baby while the incision is closed
- Neonatal care on the same floor, if your baby needs it
- Pain relief, wound review and feeding support before you go home, and a follow-up arranged for the wound
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