Day of caesarean birth

Overview

A caesarean birth (also called C-section) is a surgical operation to deliver your baby through a cut in your belly and womb. This article explains what to expect on the day of a planned caesarean.

Yes. About 1 in 4 births in the UK are by caesarean.

It affects women who are giving birth. Some caesareans are planned in advance, while others are done in an emergency.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling nervous or anxious before the surgery is normal.
• After the operation, you will have some pain or discomfort around the wound. Pain relief will be given.
• You may feel tired and sore for the first few days.

Causes

Main causes

• Your baby is in a difficult position, such as bottom-first (breech).
• Your baby is large or has a health condition that makes vaginal birth risky.
• The placenta is covering the opening of your womb (placenta praevia).
• You have had a previous caesarean birth.
• Labour is not progressing as expected, or your baby shows signs of distress.

Risk factors

• Having had a previous caesarean
• Carrying twins, triplets, or more
• Being overweight or obese during pregnancy
• Having high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have heavy bleeding from your wound or vagina after going home.
• If you have severe pain that does not improve with the pain relief you were given.
• If you feel very unwell, have a high temperature, or your wound looks infected.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Attend your postnatal check-ups as advised by your midwife or doctor.
• See your GP around 6 weeks after birth for a full check-up.

Diagnosis

A planned caesarean is decided during pregnancy after discussions with your obstetrician and midwife. It is based on your health, your baby's position, and other medical factors.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound scans to check your baby's position, size, and the location of the placenta.
• Blood tests to check your overall health.
• Monitoring your baby's heart rate to see how they are coping.

What to expect at your appointment

Your healthcare team will explain why a caesarean is recommended, the risks and benefits, and what will happen on the day. You will be told when to stop eating and drinking, what to bring, and how to prepare.

Treatment

On the day of your planned caesarean, you arrive at the hospital and have pre-operative checks. You then go to the operating theatre. An anaesthetic is given so you are awake but pain-free from the waist down. The surgeon makes a small cut above your pubic line, delivers your baby, and then closes the cut. The whole procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Self-care at home

• Follow your hospital's advice on fasting (usually no food for 6-8 hours before surgery and only clear fluids up to 2 hours before).
• Pack a hospital bag with things for you and your baby, such as clothes, nappies, and toiletries.
• Arrange for someone to help you at home for at least the first week after surgery.

Medical treatments

You will be given antibiotics to prevent infection and pain relief (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – always follow your doctor's advice). The anaesthetic may be a spinal block or epidural. After the operation, you will be monitored closely and encouraged to gently move around when it is safe.

When is surgery considered?

Caesarean birth is itself a surgical procedure. In a planned caesarean, the operation is performed in a calm, controlled setting with your consent and full preparation.

Living with this condition

For the first 6 weeks after a caesarean, take it easy. Do not lift anything heavier than your baby. Avoid driving, strenuous housework, or exercise until your doctor says it is safe. Rest whenever you can.

Lifestyle tips

• Rest as much as possible and accept help from family and friends.
• Keep your wound clean and dry. Wash gently with water and pat dry.
• Gradually increase how much you move, starting with short walks.

Diet and exercise

Eat a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and protein to help your body heal. Drink plenty of water. Start with gentle walking after a few days, and slowly build up. Do not do heavy exercise until after your postnatal check (usually at 6 weeks).

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

After a caesarean, you may feel many emotions – relief, joy, but also disappointment or even sadness if the birth was not what you hoped. It is normal to feel this way. If you feel very down, anxious, or have trouble bonding with your baby, talk to your midwife, GP, or a mental health professional. You are not alone.

Prevention

A planned caesarean is not something you can prevent if it is medically necessary. If you hope to have a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean (VBAC), talk to your obstetrician early in pregnancy about your options.

Complications

If left untreated

• Wound infection that can become severe if not treated.
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• Excessive bleeding (haemorrhage) that may require a blood transfusion.
• In rare cases, injury to the bladder or bowel during surgery.

Long-term outlook

Most women recover well from a caesarean. With proper wound care, rest, and support, you can expect to feel back to normal within 6 to 8 weeks. The vast majority of babies are born healthy and do well.

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