A caesarean birth is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb. In the United Kingdom, just over 1 in 3 babies are born by caesarean birth. This information is to help you prepare for what to expect if you deliver your baby by caesarean birth.
Some caesarean births are planned in advance. A delivery date is agreed before your baby’s due date, to reduce the chance of you going into labour. An unplanned caesarean birth is when your obstetrician recommends a more urgent delivery, often when you are already in labour.
There are two main types of anaesthetic that can be used for a caesarean birth; regional anaesthesia or general anaesthesia.
This is the most common type of anaesthetic for a caesarean birth. You have an injection in your back to numb the nerves which supply your tummy and lower body. You are awake and comfortable for the birth.
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This may be needed for some emergencies, or if there is a reason that regional anaesthesia isn’t suitable for you, or if you would prefer to be asleep. With a general anaesthetic, you are given medicine through a drip which sends you to sleep for the caesarean birth.
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What to expect when you have an elective caesarean birth.
What will happen
What to expect if you have to have an emergency caesarean birth.
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Find out what to expect if your partner has a caesarean birth and you are in theatre.
Birth partners
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