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Caesarean section
Category: Women's Health & Childbirth · All women's health & childbirth
What it is
A caesarean section is an operation to deliver a baby through a cut in the abdomen and womb. It may be planned (elective) in advance or done in labour as an emergency if concerns arise for mother or baby.
Why it is done
Planned reasons include a baby lying breech, a low-lying placenta, some multiple pregnancies and previous caesareans (though vaginal birth after caesarean is often possible). Emergency caesareans are done for slow progress in labour or concerns about the baby's wellbeing.
How to prepare
For planned surgery you will have blood tests, meet the anaesthetic team, fast beforehand, and may be given antacid medicine and antibiotics. In an emergency, preparation happens quickly. Most caesareans use a spinal or epidural anaesthetic so you are awake.
What happens during the procedure
You are numbed from the waist down and a screen is placed so you cannot see the operation (your birth partner can usually sit beside you). You may feel pushing and pressure but no pain. The baby is usually delivered within about 10 minutes of starting, and the whole operation takes about 45 minutes. Skin-to-skin contact is encouraged as soon as possible.
Afterwards — recovery & results
You will have a catheter for a short time and be encouraged to get up and move the same day. Hospital stay is commonly one to two days. The wound takes weeks to heal fully; driving and heavy lifting are restricted for a period (often around six weeks, check with your insurer and midwife). Future pregnancies are planned with the scar in mind.
Risks & considerations
Risks include bleeding, infection of the wound or womb, blood clots, injury to bladder or other structures, and anaesthetic effects. For the baby, transient breathing difficulty is more common than after vaginal birth. Repeated caesareans carry increasing risks, which your team will discuss when planning.
Watch: Caesarean section videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel anything?
You should feel touch, pressure and movement but not sharp pain. Tell the anaesthetist immediately about any pain and they will act on it.
Can I have a vaginal birth next time?
Often yes — vaginal birth after one caesarean (VBAC) is successful for many women, depending on the reason for the first caesarean and the new pregnancy. Your team will discuss your individual situation.
Related procedures — Women's Health & Childbirth
Browse the C section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.