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Caesarean birth: planned and unplanned

A caesarean is a real birth. Here is why it may be advised, what happens, and how you can still make it feel like yours.

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In short

Why it happens

Reasons include baby’s position, a health concern or labour not progressing. Some are planned and some are not.

What happens

You are usually awake with a spinal block. The operation is quick, and your birth partner can often be there.

Make it yours

Ask about skin-to-skin in theatre, delayed cord clamping and your feeding plan.

Recovery

Rest, gentle walking and pain relief help. Call your midwife about a fever, a wound that looks red or smells, or heavy bleeding.

Why a caesarean happens

A caesarean is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut in your tummy and womb. About four in ten births in England are now caesareans.

It can be planned, for example for a breech baby or placenta problems, or happen in labour if needed. You can also ask for one.

What happens

You are usually awake with a spinal or epidural, so you feel no pain, only pulling. A screen hides the operation, and your birth partner can sit by your head.

Your baby is born in about 10 minutes. The full operation takes around 40 minutes.

Making it yours

Ask for skin-to-skin in theatre, delayed cord clamping, a lowered screen to see your baby born, and your own music.

Recovery

Expect to stay in hospital one to two days. Walking soon after helps healing.

Avoid heavy lifting for about six weeks. Ask before driving.

Future births

Many people can have a vaginal birth after a caesarean (VBAC). About three in four who try succeed.

Based on NICE caesarean birth guideline and NHS guidance. Mia teaches. Your midwife knows you best.

Sources: NICE guideline NG192: Caesarean birth · NHS: Caesarean section · RCOG: Birth after previous caesarean

Good to know

Can I have skin-to-skin after a caesarean?

Often, yes. Ask your team before the birth.

Can I have a vaginal birth after a caesarean?

Many people can. Talk to your midwife or doctor early in pregnancy.

How long is recovery?

Around six weeks for most people.

More on birth

Natural birth

Signs of labour

Labour positions

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