Caesarean section

You can give birth in two ways  – vaginally or through a caesarean section. Both are safe and effective ways to give birth to your baby, but sometimes, a C-section might be better for you.

At the Westminster Maternity Suite we understand how important exploring your birth options are and want to ensure your baby is delivered safely. If you are having a C-section or are considering one, our expert team is here to support you during your pregnancy, labour and beyond.

What is a C-section?

A C-section is an operation that delivers your baby. Your obstetrician does it through a cut made just below your bikini line.

A C-section is a major operation, so it’s typically only offered if it is the safest option for delivery. However, you can choose to have a C-section if you do not wish to give birth vaginally once you have discussed the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Why would I need a C-section?

You can choose to have a C-section as part of your birth plan. This is called an elective, or “planned”, C-section. Your doctor or midwife may also recommend a C-section if they think a vaginal birth is too risky for you and your baby.

You may also need a C-section despite choosing vaginal birth due to an emergency.

Your doctor or midwife may recommend a C-section if:

• your baby is in the breech position (feet down, head up) and they haven’t turned even when a doctor or midwife applies gentle pressure to your tummy
• you have a low-lying placenta
• you have pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure)
• you have an infection that you can pass to your baby during vaginal birth, such as untreated HIV
• you are experiencing excessive vaginal bleeding
• your labour is not progressing correctly or if the baby is showing signs of distress (risking you and your baby)

You can have a C-section even if you do not have any medical reasons for doing so. Some women choose the procedure because they have severe anxiety about vaginal births. Although vaginal births are natural, feeling nervous about them is normal and a valid reason to request a C-section.

Is a planned C-section right for me?

Deciding whether to have an elective C-section is a big decision and is best made with your doctor or midwife’s support. Sometimes, they might advise you to have a C-section to protect your and your baby’s health during delivery.

Before deciding if a C-section is right for you, weigh up the benefits and risks of the procedure. If you wish to have a C-section for non-medical reasons, your doctor may or may not agree and advise you to have a vaginal birth if they think it is best.

What happens during a C-section?

Before your C-section begins, an anaesthetist will give you a spinal or epidural anaesthetic. So, you will be awake during your baby’s birth but won’t feel anything in your body’s lower part.

One of the medical team will place a screen across your body to stop you from seeing the operation. The surgeon will make an incision between 10cm and 20cm long along your lower stomach, giving them access to your womb. You won’t feel any pain during a C-section, but you may feel some pulling or tugging while the surgeon delivers your baby.

You can see and hold your baby immediately after delivery. This might only be possible if there aren’t any complications with you or your baby. If you have had an emergency C-section due to fetal distress, your baby must be checked and medically cared for before you can hold it.

How long does a C-section take?

A C-section usually takes between 40 and 50 minutes to complete. The time will vary depending on any complications that arise, but our surgeon will do their best to deliver your baby as quickly and safely as possible.

How long does it take to recover from a C-section?

After your C-section, you must stay in the hospital for one or two days so our specialists can monitor you and your baby. While in the hospital, we will give you pain relief medication to reduce your discomfort. You can also have close contact with your baby and breastfeed.

A catheter will help you empty your bladder for the first 12 hours after your C-section and we’ll cover your wounds with a dressing for at least 24 hours. You should be able to eat and drink after your C-section when you feel hungry or thirsty. You can expect vaginal bleeding during your recovery, but this is normal after any birth.

You cannot drive for a few weeks, so you must ensure somebody is available to take you and your baby home. You won’t be able to carry anything heavier than your baby for the first six weeks or so of your recovery. Similarly, you must avoid exercising and sex.

Full recovery from a C-section can take up to six weeks, but everyone is different. Your body will heal at the rate that’s right for you.

Benefits of a C-section

The benefits of a C-section will vary depending on your reason for having one. One of the main advantages is that doctors can perform a C-section in an emergency to deliver your baby safely. Another benefit is its use in cases where vaginal delivery is unsafe for you or your baby.

Choosing a caesarean section can be beneficial for planning reasons. With an elective C-section, you’ll know your baby’s exact birth date — allowing you to plan your new routine around it. It can also make it easier for you to prepare your home because you’ll know the day you’ll be returning with your baby.

Risks of a C-section

Caesarean sections are a major surgery but are generally very safe. However, they have some risks that can affect you and your baby.

The risks of a C-section to you include:

• wound infection
• infection of your womb lining
• blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
• excessive bleeding
• damage to your bladder or the tubes connecting your bladder to your kidneys

We’ll give you antibiotics before your C-section to help reduce the risk of infection.

The risks of a C-section to your baby include:

• temporary breathing difficulties (this usually affects babies born before 39 weeks and improves within a few days)
• minor cuts to the skin

Risks to future pregnancies

C-sections do not cause problems if you become pregnant again. Most women who have a C-section with one pregnancy can still give birth vaginally — known as vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC).

However, you might need a C-section in your subsequent pregnancy if there is a risk of the scar in your womb opening or your placenta attaching to the womb’s wall.