Caesarean Section

General Information

For some women, the safest option for either you, your baby or both, is to have a Caesarean section.

As Caesarean is major surgery and will only be done when there is a real clinical need.

A Caesarean may be either:

• ‘Elective’ meaning that it has been planned in advance
• ‘Emergency’ meaning that it has not been planned in advance. An emergency Caesarean is usually done in labour if a vaginal birth is no longer considered to be the safest option for your birth.

Elective Caesarean

Planned Caesareans are usually done Monday-Friday between the hours of 9-1.  Sometimes additional afternoon sessions are available.

Emergency Caesarean

An emergency Caesarean might be necessary if a problem develops for either you or your baby during labour or close to the time of your birth. Occasionally, an emergency Caesarean might need to be offered before labour starts.  Either way, you will be fully informed of any concerns as well as why we would be offering you an emergency Caesarean.

Why might I need to have an emergency Caesarean?

There are a number of reasons why we might offer you an emergency Caesarean which include:

• Fetal distress  Sometimes, baby’s become distressed or tired during labour. This can be more likely if you are having a small baby, than if your baby is well grown.  

If we think that your baby is becoming distressed, we will closely watch your baby's heart rate on a monitor.  If baby is distressed, we would usually offer you a fetal blood sampling to confirm our concerns.  This test is done by vaginal examination where a small scratch is made on your baby’s head.  A drop of blood is taken to check your baby’s oxygen level. The test will either reassure us to encourage you to continue in your labour, or it may tell us that you need to be offered an emergency Caesarean.

Labour progress is slower than expected

Sometimes the cervix (opening to the neck of the womb or uterus) does not open or dilate well during labour. If you do not make progress or the progress is slow, you may be offered a Caesarean after other options have been explored.

There are other less common reasons why an emergency Caesarean section would be necessary.

What information would I be given if I need an emergency Caesarean?

The doctor will explain why it is necessary, as well as the possible side effects and alternatives.

Do not hesitate to ask questions if you need further information.

What pain relief will I be offered for my emergency Caesarean?

We will of course discuss the options with you, as well as ensure that you have adequate pain relief. Where possible, the operation is done with either:

• Epidural (your epidural would be topped-up)
• Spinal anaesthetic - similar to epidural a spinal anaesthetic
• Occasionally, an emergency Caesarean requires you to have a general anaesthetic (GA). If you need a GA your birth partner would not be able to be present for the birth.

The actual Caesarean

Ideally you will be awake and accompanied by your birth partner. You won’t feel pain, but expect to feel some tugging and pulling. A screen will be put across your chest so that you cannot see what is being done. The doctor will  let you know what is happening. You will have an anaesthetist with you during the operation.

Afterwards

We will welcome you to our recovery area for a couple of hours after your operation where we can keep a close eye on you. After this time we will transfer you to the postnatal ward.

You will be uncomfortable for a few days, as you would expect to be after any major surgery. It will be difficult to sit up or stand up straight, and it will hurt to laugh. You will be encouraged to stay with us for at least two days which will depend upon yours and your baby’s progress.

This page was last modified on Thu Aug 12 2010