Caesarean birth

A caesarean section is a major surgical operation in which your baby is born through a cut in your abdomen and uterus. It is usually performed under a spinal or epidural anaesthesia. In some cases it is necessary to use a general anaesthetic so that you are asleep throughout.  


An emergency caesarean is recommended for the following reasons:

  • concern for your baby’s wellbeing  
  • your labour is not progressing
  • there are maternal complications, such as severe bleeding or severe pre-eclampsia
  • there is a life-threatening emergency for you or your baby.

What to expect if you need an emergency caesarean

  • Unless you are having a general anaesthetic, in most cases, your partner can be with you in the operating theatre.
  • Most hospitals will have a midwife stay and look after you and your baby in the theatre and the recovery area.
  • Unless you have had a general anaesthetic, skin-to-skin contact with your baby will be encouraged immediately after the birth, otherwise you are likely to have skin-to-skin as soon as you are able.
  • The midwife will help you with breastfeeding.
  • If your baby is unwell or needs to be monitored they may need to go to special or intensive care. In some cases they may need to go to a different hospital, which has a higher level of care for babies who are very sick.
  • After surgery you will be offered a number of different pain-relieving medications as you need them.
  • You will be encouraged to express breast milk if your baby is unable to feed from the breast. This will start as soon as possible after the birth and you will need to express about 8 to 10 times every 24 hours.

Risks with a caesarean birth:

  • You may have fever, which will usually be due to an infection.
  • Hysterectomy is a possible complication with any birth option.


This condition is referred to as placenta praevia or placenta accreta.

Vaginal birth after a previous caesarean


Most women who attempt a vaginal birth after a caesarean will succeed (70 per cent). Thirty per cent of women who attempt a vaginal birth will, for any number of reasons, end up having an emergency caesarean.

Many women who have had a previous caesarean section find the prospect of a vaginal birth healing, particularly if the first caesarean was unplanned or traumatic. Unless there are particular health reasons why you would be advised to have another ceasarean, the decision is ultimately yours. Your midwife or doctor will usually discuss this with when you are around 26 weeks pregnant. It’s a good idea to ask about the speciﬁc risks and beneﬁts for you. 

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