A caesarean section (c-section) may be planned or unplanned.
A caesarean section (c-section) is an operation to deliver your baby. A doctor makes a cut just below your bikini line, through your abdomen and womb, and lifts your baby out through it.
You may have a planned (elective) c-section if you know you will need a c-section before you go into labour.
You may have an unplanned (emergency) c-section if this is the safest way to deliver your baby.
About 1 in 4 women who give birth in the UK have a c-section. Most of these are emergency c-sections.
What is a planned c-section?
Sometimes, a c-section may be safer for you or your baby than a vaginal birth. For example, your doctor or midwife may offer you a planned c-section if:
- There are problems with the placenta, such as a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia)
- Your baby is lying in a difficult position for labour, such as bottom down (breech)
- You are expecting twins who share a placenta or if either baby is lying in a difficult position for labour
- You are expecting more than 2 babies.
If you have HIV or genital herpes, your doctor will explain your birth options. Some women may need a c-section to reduce the risk of passing the virus to the baby.
If you are offered a c-section because of medical reasons, it is your choice whether to have one or not. You do not have to have one if you don’t want one.
If you decide to have a planned c-section, you will see an obstetrician. This is a doctor who specialises in care during pregnancy, labour and after birth. They will explain the benefits and risks of a c-section and your other birth options. You will also see a midwife at your antenatal appointments where you can discuss your options.
You will usually have a planned c-section at 39 weeks of pregnancy. The aim is to do the c-section before you go into labour. Babies born earlier than 39 weeks are more likely to need help with their breathing. Sometimes there’s a medical reason for delivering the baby earlier than this. For example, if you’re expecting more than 1 baby.
What is an emergency c-section?
You may have an unplanned emergency c-section if your baby needs to be delivered quickly. This may happen if your labour is not progressing or there’s any concern about your or your baby’s wellbeing.
The word ‘emergency’ makes it sound rushed, but there’s often time to decide whether you want a c-section. Your doctor and midwife will explain what your options are. If your or your baby’s health is at risk, you may need to have a c-section more quickly.
C-section myths
There’s no strong evidence that any of these things affect your chances of needing a c-section:
- Walking around during labour
- Not lying on your back during labour
- Being in water during labour
- Drinking raspberry leaf tea
- The midwife or doctor breaking your waters early
- Having an epidural.
There is no evidence that your height or the size of your baby can predict whether you will need a c-section. Being short or having a small pelvis or small feet does not affect whether you can have a vaginal birth. But you may be more likely to have a c-section if you’re overweight or over the age of 40.
