Caesarean section
A Caesarean section is used to deliver the baby through an opening made surgically in the abdomen, rather than through the vagina
A Caesarean section can be planned in advance if there’s a medical reason for it (see below). Or sometimes it’s necessary to have an emergency Caesarean if problems develop
If you've already had a baby by Caesarean section and are now pregnant again, you may have some options for this pregnancy. See More information below
Reasons for having a Caesarean section*
A Caesarean section may be offered to you if
- Your baby is positioned bottom first
- The placenta is low (placenta praevia)
- You are HIV positive, or have hepatitis or herpes
- You are expecting twins
- Your baby is small
- Your baby is premature
You may need an unplanned Caesarean section if
- There is concern about your health or your baby's health
- Your labour is not moving along, or progressing, as expected
- You have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy or labour
- You go into labour before the date of your planned Caesarean section
*Taken from NICE guidance (see end)
If you are advised to have a Caesarean section, you might want to ask
- Why it’s being recommended for you
- What will happen
- How long you will stay in hospital
- What will happen after you leave hospital
- How it may affect a future pregnancy
More information
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has produced guidance on having a Caesarean section in the NHS
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has information on having a planned Caesarean section and the options for birth for women who have already had a Caesarean section