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Caesareans explained
Mum Knows Best
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Before you go out and buy lots of expensive maternity clothes, have a good rummage through your wardrobe. You'll probably be surprised at how much stuff can be adapted or worn a little differently to still fit you!Natalie, mum to Bobby
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To help beat morning sickness, as soon as you wake up - eat a piece of dry toast.
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If you're uncomfortable in bed, or suffer backache, tuck one end of a v-shaped pillow between your knees to get your hips level, put the 'v' under your bump and cuddle the top. It was my midwife's idea - it also cured my insomnia.Isabelle Jacobs, 34, from Edinburgh, mum to Paul, 3 months
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Ditch as much of your housework as possible and don't stress because the house is a mess or there's ironing to do. Your baby will sense you're calm and, with luck, he'll be calm, too. I know it worked for me - Daniel is a chilled-out, happy baby!
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I was convinced the TENS machine I used wasn't working because labour still felt very painful. However, it was only when I took it off that I realised it had been effective, as I could feel the difference. It got me through the first few hours until I got in the pool, where my baby was born. Michelle, mum to Sam, 6 weeks
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I started getting really bad headaches when I was about 12 weeks pregnant, but forcing myself to drink two litres of water every day really helped.Jennifer Shepherd, London
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Drink ginger tea to beat morning sickness - it really works!Jenny, pregnant with baby no.1
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If you're set on having a natural birth, read up on visualisation and breathing techniques so you feel strong when the time comes. It really helped me when I was having Honey.SJ Drew, Paignton
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If you have trouble sleeping in pregnancy, read a baby names' book. The monotony of the list means that by the time you reach 'D', you'll be gone!Emily Gale, 31, from London, mum to Madeleine, 2, and 35 weeks pregnant
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There are actually 3 types of caesarean - here we explain the differences, what you can expect if you have a caesarean and the risks involved.
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
More help and advice
- Insider's guide to labour and birth- Inducing labour
- Embarrassing pregnancy questions answered
- 'Can I still have a normal birth next time?'
- Pain relief options during labour
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