Caesarean Section
A caesarean section is an operation to deliver a baby. It involves making a cut in the front wall of a woman’s abdomen (tummy) and womb.
The operation can be:
- a planned (elective) procedure, when a medical need for the operation becomes apparent during pregnancy
- an emergency procedure, when circumstances during labour call for urgent delivery of the baby
A caesarean section is carried out under regional anaesthetic, where the lower part of your body is numbed. It usually takes 30–45 minutes.
When a caesarean might be needed
A caesarean section is usually carried out when a normal vaginal birth could put you or your unborn baby at risk, for example because:
- your labour doesn't progress naturally
- you go into premature labour
- you have placenta praevia (where the placenta is low lying in the womb and covering part of the womb entrance)
- you have a viral infection, such as a first attack of genital herpes
- your baby is in the breech (feet first) position
Source: www.nhs.uk
