Planned caesarean birth
A caesarean section is an operation which means your baby will be born via a cut in your abdomen. The cut is usually just below where your pubic hair starts to grow.
A calm, positive caesarean
There are many different reasons that you may have chosen to have a caesarean. Though it is a medical procedure, many hospitals have worked hard to make the experience as calm and positive as possible.
Your birth partner should usually be able to come with you into theatre and you should have the procedure, risks and benefits explained to you. If all goes well in theatre, you may be able to have your baby placed on your chest and have that lovely skin to skin contact as soon as your baby has been born. In most cases, you can still ask for your partner to cut the cord and usually, it is possible for pictures to be taken as your baby is being born.
Why might I need a caesarean section?
There are many reasons why you might need or choose to have a caesarean. If you are choosing a caesarean before labour, it could be because you have previously had a caesarean and do not wish to try a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC), for mental health reasons or because there is a medical reason discovered during pregnancy. It could be because your baby is in a position that is unfavourable for a vaginal birth (breech or transverse) or because there is a problem with the placenta, like placenta praevia. Whatever the reason, it's important to know all the associated risks of the procedure as well as what to expect from recovery. If you are having another caesarean, you will be offered the chance to speak to a professional about VBAC just in case you'd like to know more about this option.
What to expect during a caesarean - pain relief and anaesthetic
As a caesarean is an operation, it takes place in the operating theatre. You will usually have either a spinal or epidural anaesthetic which means you will be awake but will not be able to feel any pain in the lower part of your body. You may still feel some sensation as the procedure is carried out and your baby is born, but you will not be uncomfortable. A catheter will be placed to help you urinate during the procedure and whilst the anaesthetic wears off.
In some circumstances, it may be necessary for you to have a general anaesthetic during a caesarean. If this is the case, it will be explained to you before you are given the general anaesthetic and go to sleep.
What to expect in theatre during the caesarean
Your team will explain to you and your birth partner what they are doing during the procedure, but you will not be able to see, as a screen will cover your lower body. The length of the cut will vary but it is usually around 10 to 20 centimetres long. The entire procedure usually takes just under an hour, depending on how you and baby are doing. Once your baby is born, you will be stitched up and will need to be monitored closely for a few hours. The length of time you need to stay in hospital after a caesarean will depend on why you wanted or needed a caesarean, but the period can be up to four days on average.
Caesarean risks
Most caesareans are very safe and cause few complications to mother or baby. Planned caesareans are safer than caesareans performed during later stages of labour. However, as it is major abdominal surgery, there are risks involved. The pros and cons can be discussed in detail with your midwife or doctor.
It's important to think about what is best for both you and your baby and it is important to know that you can change your mind too. If you go into labour before your planned caesarean, you will be able to discuss your options with your midwife and the medical team. You might decide against caesarean birth initially but revisit this choice in later pregnancy. Your choice is personal to you and your circumstances.
Help and support
Some women enjoy making a special playlist to last for the duration of a caesarean. This can help calm any anxieties and make things a little more relaxed as the procedure goes on. It is also sometimes possible for cord clamping to be delayed, depending on why you need a caesarean.
Talk to your midwife about what options are available to make your birth choice of a caesarean personal to you.
For more details on a calm caesarean section, take a look at this video from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.