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Caesareans explained

Caesareans explained

Caesarean birth couple hospital newborn surgery

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Caesarean births are becoming ever more popular, because many women are too scared to push their baby out by natural means.

Although it is a fairly common operation, a Caesarean section still has its risks. Find out more about the different types of Caesarean operations

The three types of Caesarean

A Caesarean section is a major operation, where an incision is made through the skin and muscle of your abdomen and into the womb to deliver your baby. There are three types:

Elective:
This is where the decision has been made before labour to deliver your baby this way. Reasons could include breech position (where the baby is in a feet or bottom first position), placenta praevia (when the placenta covers the cervix, blocking the baby's way out), or if the mum is HIV positive. It's normally done at around 39 weeks.

Emergency:
When the baby shows signs of distress in early labour, or there has been little progress during labour.

Crash:
This is a true emergency where the baby has to be delivered at once. If an epidural isn't in place, a general anaesthetic will be needed. Reasons can include placental abruption (when it separates from uterus wall), a prolapsed cord (when it falls into the birth canal ahead of the baby) or the heartbeat shows signs of serious distress.

What happens?

Any jewellery and nail polish should be removed. The top of your pubic hair will be shaved and the midwife will insert a urinary catheter just prior to the op. You'll also have a drip in your hand.

From the first incision, it takes about 10 minutes until delivery and then around 40 minutes for the incision to be stitched up. The procedure won't hurt but you'll have a sensation of pushing and pulling inside you. There'll be lots of people in the theatre, including doctors, nurses and your midwife. Afterwards you'll be closely monitored in a recovery room.

- Read more about anaesthesia in Caesareans