Caesarean section
A Caesarean section is when baby is born through an opening made surgically in the abdomen, rather than through the vagina.
A Caesarean section (sometimes called a c-section) can be planned in advance (known as an elective caesarean) or done if there are concerns at a particular time (known as an emergency caesarean).
If you've already had a baby by Caesarean section and are now pregnant again, you may have some options for how your baby is born in this pregnancy. For some women, a Vaginal Birth after Caesarean (or VBAC) is thought to be a safe option.
Reasons for having a Caesarean section
A Caesarean section may be offered to you if
- Your baby is positioned bottom first.
- You are expecting twins or triplets.
- Your placenta is low (placenta praevia).
- You are HIV positive, or have a first episode of herpes at the end of pregnancy.
- 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.
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.
The NHS has produced clear, easy to understand information about Caesarean sections, when they might be necessary, and what will happen if you need to have one. Information on c-sections can be found here.
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.
Page last updated March 2025