Caesarean birth

Caesarean birth

• A caesarean is usually performed under spinal or epidural anaesthetic so you can be awake for the birth.
• You do not watch your own operation as a screen is placed over your chest.
• A general anaesthetic is not a common choice but may sometimes be necessary.
• A caesarean birth may be elective (planned), or it may be an emergency (unplanned).

Why women have caesarean births

There are many reasons why women have a caesarean birth, and these may include:

Preparing for a caesarean birth

If the plan is for you to have a planned caesarean birth, you will be given:

• an admission time and date.
• instructions for blood tests
• instructions about when to fast (stop eating) prior to your operation
• exercise advice
• information about what activities are limited after your operation
• pre-admission appointment with an anaesthetist (person administering medicine so you don't feel pain).

For emergency caesarean births you will be prepared on the Maternity Unit.

What to expect with a caesarean birth?

You will only be separated from your baby if:

What to expect after a caesarean birth?

• While in the operating theatre, your baby will be checked to ensure he/she is well.
• Your birth partner and you will be able to cuddle your baby.
• We will assist you to begin skin to skin contact with your baby as soon as possible after the birth.
• If you have chosen to breastfeed you should begin feeding as soon as your baby is ready.
• If your baby is premature, or having problems with breathing, they may go to the Special Care Nursery.
• If this is the case, staff will take you and your partner to see your baby as soon as possible.
• You will need to express breastmilk if your baby is unable to feed from the breast.

What happens after a caesarean operation?

Pain relief

• It is important to ensure you have adequate and regular pain relief so that you can move around freely.
• Support your wound by applying firm pressure with the help of a rolled towel or a small pillow.
• Your need for pain relief should decrease with each day.
• Our Anaesthetic Service will visit you on the day after your caesarean birth to discuss your pain relief.
• You are usually confined to bed for 12-24 hours after the birth.
• When confined to bed, there is a risk that you can develop clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis).
• We inject a drug into the fatty tissue just under the skin to help prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Moving and getting out of bed

• For most women it is quite safe to be out of bed the day after their caesarean birth.
• Circulation and deep breathing exercises are important to do regularly while resting in bed.
• These exercises and walking help prevent post-operative chest infection and deep vein thrombosis.
• You may have pressure devices on your legs and special stockings to help with circulation.
• When getting out of bed for the first time, ensure a staff member is present.
• You may feel normal in bed but may find your legs are weak or you become dizzy when standing.
• You may also find the wound pain increases.
• It is safer to be accompanied until you are sure any risk of falling has been assessed.

Caesarean wound

• The incision will be located below your bikini line.
• The type of wound dressing used changes from time to time.
• Often the wound will be covered with a clear dressing for 7-10 days.
• You can remove it yourself in the shower.
• Generally, you do not need to have your stitches removed. 
• Sometimes staples are used which need to be removed by the Extended Midwife Service or your doctor.
• If there is any redness or discharge from your wound, speak to your midwife or doctor immediately.

Vaginal discharge

• There will be some bleeding after the operation.
• This usually decreases over the next few days.
• If it increases tell your doctor or midwife. 

Intravenous cannula (drip) and urinary catheter

Returning to normal activities

• Help at home is necessary over the first few weeks caring for your baby.
• Only lift things the weight of your baby. You can increase this as you feel able.
• Don’t put yourself or baby at risk by taking on too much too soon. It takes time to heal.
• Check with your insurance company before you begin to drive. Some don’t cover you in the first 6 weeks.

Will a caesarean birth be necessary in the future?

• Caesarean birth is a safe method for the birth of your baby.
• But it is a major operation, and the decision must be made carefully.
• If you had a lower uterine segment caesarean birth and there is no recurrence of the problem that led to the first caesarean, you may be able to have a vaginal birth next time.
• Size and position of your baby can affect whether your next baby is born vaginally or by caesarean.
• Download brochures on Caesarean Section or Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section.