Caesarean Birth

A caesarean birth is when your baby is born by a surgical operation called a caesarean section. The baby is born through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and womb. A caesarean birth takes place in an operating theatre.

Why a Caesarean Birth May be Needed

Caesaren sections are performed either for the health and wellbeing of the mother or the safety of the baby. A casarean birth can be either planned or elective or an emergency.

A planned casearen is when you agree with your doctor in advance that a caesarean section is the most appropriate option for birth.

A date is set for you to be admitted to the hospital before labour begins.

The main reasons for a planned caesarean section:

• The baby remains in a breech position.

• The placenta is low lying

• If you’ve had one or more previous c-sections and choose a repeat caesarean birth.

• Twin pregnancy if the first baby is not in a head down position.

The main reasons for an emergency caesarean birth are:

• The baby becomes distressed and needs to be born quickly

• Labour is not progressing

Preparing for Caesarean Birth