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Baby-friendly caesarean birth | Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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Togel Hongkong - Togel Singapore - Togel Sidney - Keluaran SDY - Pengeluaran SGP - Data HK Hari Ini

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Togel Hongkong - Togel Singapore - Togel Sidney - Keluaran SDY - Pengeluaran SGP - Data HK Hari Ini

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Things I wish I'd been told about recovering from a caesarean

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Things I wish I'd been told about recovering from a caesarean

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Exercise and Advice Following a Caesarean Birth

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Video of natural caesarean. Warning - some close ups of blood and incision

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Some things to consider when thinking about your preferences for a caesarean birth

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Some things to consider when thinking about your preferences for a caesarean birth

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This site has been growing and developing since May 2002. We are very grateful for the support we have recieved. We hope to continue to extend the information available, enabling more and more parents take control of their birth experiences.

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Tommy's - C-section tips for dads and partners

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Tommy's - C-section tips for dads and partners

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NHS Scotland Enhanced Recovery after Caesarean Birth

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NHS Scotland Enhanced Recovery after Caesarean Birth

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Enhanced Recovery for Obstetric Surgery in Scotland (EROSS)

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My Caesarean Delivery Journey - the enhanced recovery approach. This booklet is for mothers and families who have chosen a planned caesarean delivery or who may have had an emergency one. This booklet will give information on what to expect before, during and after a caesarean delivery (CD), as part of the Enhanced Recovery for Obstetric Surgery in Scotland (EROSS) Programme.

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What to pack in your caesarean hospital bag

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What to pack in your caesarean hospital bag

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You'll want to make sure you have everything you need to make your stay in hospital as easy and stress-free as possible. You can then focus on what's most important - getting to know your newborn.

You probably won't have room to store everything in the small cabinet by your bed on the postnatal ward. So keep some things in a bag in the car, or at home for your partner to bring in when you need them.

Even if you're planning a vaginal birth, it may be worth throwing a few extra items in another bag, just in case you need an unplanned caesarean.

What will I need while I'm waiting for my caesarean?

You'll be admitted to hospital several hours before your caesarean is booked to go ahead. If the labour ward is particularly busy, your time slot may be put back. Having things to take your mind off the wait could help you to feel more relaxed (DH 2015a):

Your phone. So you can text friends and family, or distract yourself by playing games or listening to music (DH 2015).

Books and magazines.

Your caesarean birth plan, to remind yourself of your preferences for your baby's birth (DH 2015a). This includes things like whether you want music playing in the operating theatre, and whether you want the screen lowered so you can see your baby being born (NICE 2011).

What will my birth partner need while we're at the hospital?

These items will help your birth partner to take care of himself and to look after you:

Snacks and drinks. Although you won't be allowed to eat and drink before you have your caesarean, you don't want a dehydrated, hungry birth partner looking after you (APA 2015b).

Camera or mobile to take photos or a short film of the birth and early moments with your baby (APA 2015b). If you want your birth partner to take photos in the operating theatre, check with the hospital beforehand, as not all allow it.

Phone, for calling and texting friends and family when your baby arrives.

What will I need after my caesarean birth?

After your caesarean, you'll be offered painkillers to keep you comfortable (NHS 2015b). You'll be able to eat and drink again when you're ready (NICE 2011). Your nurse or midwife will encourage you to get out of bed and move around as soon as you feel able (NHS 2015b).

These items will help to make your stay on the postnatal ward as comfortable as possible:

Several pairs of high-waisted cotton knickers Normal knickers may rub your wound. Look for knickers without nylon or lacy fabric, as these can catch on or irritate your wound.

Maternity pads. You'll need these as you'll still experience some bleeding from your womb (uterus), or lochia, as with a vaginal birth (APA 2015a). You may need as many as 24 maternity pads , though you may want to buy more than this and keep some at home for when you leave hospital (DH 2015a).

Baby wipes or face wipes As you won't be able to get to the bathroom easily, these can help you to stay feeling clean and fresh.

Nappy sacks to make it easy to dispose of your used sanitary pads and wipes, and your baby's nappies.

A couple of comfortable, loose-fitting nightshirts. If you choose ones with short sleeves, it will help you to cope with a drip and a warm hospital ward. And nightshirts with buttons down the front will make breastfeeding easier (DH 2015a).

Dressing gown Hospitals can be very warm, so a lightweight one may be best (DH 2015a). A dark colour or a busy pattern will help to hide any stains, if you think that may be a concern for you. You'll have bleeding after the birth (lochia), and it's also perfectly normal to leak a little wee in the early days.

Bendy straws as it will be difficult to sit up to drink.

Handouts about how to get breastfeeding started that you may have received at your antenatal classes (APA 2015b). If you have a contact card for a breastfeeding counsellor or specialist, bring that with you too (DH 2015a).

Nursing bras Bring two or three, and bear in mind that your breasts are likely to grow bigger as your milk comes in (DH 2015a).

Breast pads You may need plenty if you're producing a lot of milk (DH 2015a).

Purified lanolin ointment or cream for your nipples, in case they get sore when you start breastfeeding.

Backless slip-on slippers or flip-flops that you don't need to bend down to put on, as this may be awkward at first.

Wrap or shawl, to have around your shoulders if you want to cover up or in case you get chilly. Some women feel a bit shivery after an epidural (RCOA 2009, Tidy 2015), and it can be difficult at first to twist around to get a cardigan or jumper on.

Lip balm and moisturiser. The warm air on the postnatal ward can dry out your skin.

Fibre-rich snacks to help ease constipation (GHC 2014) . Try dried prunes or apricots. If you are recovering well, you should be able to eat and drink as soon as you feel like it (NICE 2011).

Peppermint teabags Peppermint tea can help to soothe the pain of trapped wind, which you may have after surgery (GHC 2014). The smell of peppermint may also help relieve any nausea you're feeling after your caesarean (Lane et al 2012), so perhaps include a packet of mints (APA 2015b).

Arnica cream or tablets. Although there's no conclusive evidence that it works, some women say that arnica cream helps to reduce bruising and encourage healing (Fetrow and Avila 2001). Don't apply the cream directly to your wound, though.

Washbag containing towels, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel and shampoo. You may want to choose unscented toiletries, as your newborn will love your own, natural smell. Decant them into smaller bottles or buy travel versions, to save on space.

Comfy, loose clothing for when you're up and about, such as T-shirts and jogging bottoms. Plus, clothes to wear home (DH 2015a).

Extra pillows. Some hospitals will supply these, but your own from home may be more comfortable (APA 2015b). A V-shaped pillow can give you extra support when breastfeeding your baby.

Mobile and charger. Most hospitals should allow you to use your mobile, but it's worth checking with your midwife first (DH 2015a).

Eye mask and earplugs, in case you have trouble sleeping on a brightly lit, noisy ward.

Glasses or contact lens case. There's not much room in your bedside cabinet, so this will ensure they don't get knocked or damaged (APA 2015b).

Notebook and pen. You may want to jot down your feelings, memories or experiences about your baby's birth and the first few days of being a mum. Or it could come in handy for noting down lists of other things you'd like brought in.

A small amount of cash. Some hospitals sell maternity and baby items, so have a bit of money with you in case there's anything you've forgotten. You may also want to take a credit or debit card, as some hospitals offer pay-per-view TV services. Check in advance to find out what's available.

Confidence! Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Be prepared to press your buzzer to call for a midwife or doctor. They can help with everything from pain relief to nappy changing.

What will my baby need?

Your baby will probably sleep in your hospital room with you, in a cot beside your bed. Here's what he'll need while you're both on the postnatal ward:

About five sleepsuits and vests Newborn babies get through a lot of clothes. If possible, you may also want to have more on standby at home, so someone could bring them in if required.

Nappies. If you plan to use disposable nappies, you'll need as many as 12 a day for your newborn. If you're using reusable nappies, the exact amount depends on the type of nappy you choose.

Plenty of Muslin squares for mopping up milk that your baby may bring up (possetting).

Several pairs of socks or booties (DH 2015b).

A couple of hats (DH 2015b). Your baby will lose a lot of heat through his head (APA 2015b).

One outfit for the trip home (all-in-one stretchy outfits are easiest).

Jacket or snowsuit for winter babies.

Baby blanket Although hospitals are very warm, your baby may need a blanket if it's chilly outside when you leave (DH 2015b).

A few pairs of scratch mittens. Your newborn may have long nails, so this will help prevent him accidentally scratching his face or body (APA 2015b).

Disposable change mats. These cut down the need for bedding changes if you have to change your baby's nappy while he's in his cot.

A baby car seat (DH 2015b). Some hospitals won't let you leave by car without one. You may need to leave your baby's car seat in your car or at home until it's needed, though, as it can be too bulky to store in hospital.

See our guide to recovery after a caesarean birth.
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References

APA. 2015a. Caesarean birth after care. American Pregnancy Association. americanpregnancy.org [Accessed March 2016]

APA. 2015b. Packing for the hospital or birth center. American Pregnancy Association. americanpregnancy.org [Accessed March 2016]

DH. 2015a. Labour and birth. In: The pregnancy book. London: Department of Health, 85-6

DH. 2015b. What you need for your baby. In: The pregnancy book. London: Department of Health, 127-31.

Fetrow CW, Avila JR. 2001. Professional's Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines. 2nd ed. Pennsylvania: Springhouse, 43-7.

GHC. 2014. Recovery after a caesarean birth. Group Health Cooperative. www.ghc.org [Accessed March 2016]

Lane B, Cannella K, Bowen C et al. 2012. Examination of the effectiveness of peppermint aromatherapy on nausea in women post C-section. J Holist Nurs. Jun; 30 (2): 90-104.

NHS. 2015a. Pack your bag for labour. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed March 2016]

NHS. 2015b. Caesarean section. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed March 2016]

NICE. 2011. Caesarean section. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. NICE Guidelines, CG132. www.nice.org.uk [Accessed March 2016]

RCOA. 2009. Risks associated with your anaesthetic. Section 3: Shivering. The Royal College of Anaesthetists. www.rcoa.ac.uk [Accessed March 2016]

Tidy C. 2015. Pain relief in labour Patient UK. patient.info [Accessed March 2016]

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What to pack in your caesarean hospital bag

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You'll want to make sure you have everything you need to make your stay in hospital as easy and stress-free as possible. You can then focus on what's most important - getting to know your newborn. You probably won't have room to store everything in the small cabinet by your bed on the postnatal ward.

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Recovery after a c-section (caesarean section) usually takes longer than after a vaginal delivery because it is major surgery. You will often be able to go home from hospital after a few days. Although c-section recovery week by week is different for everyone, there are lots of things you can do to stay more comfortable.

Find out how long your c-section recovery might take, what you can do to help your c-section scar heal and prevent infection, and how to stop your c-section incision opening. We also have advice on pain relief, breastfeeding, driving, exercise, having sex again and looking after your emotions.

How long will I stay in hospital after my c-section?

You'll probably stay in hospital for three days or four days (NICE 2021, NHS 2019a). If you're recovering well and have no complications, you can go home after about 24 hours, with follow-up care at home (NICE 2021). But you may be asked to stay in hospital for another day or two, with medical staff nearby.

A caesarean is major abdominal surgery, and you will feel some pain or discomfort for a few days or weeks afterwards (NHS 2019a). Even though you'll get pain relief, there will be things you can't do on your own. Just after surgery, you might need help shifting up the bed or sitting up straight. It may hurt your wound to cough or laugh, but supporting it with your hands, or holding a pillow over your tummy, will help.

After surgery, you may find that you suffer from constipation and other digestive problems, such as wind. This is partly because any type of surgery can affect how your bowel works, but also because constipation is common after delivery (Kuronen et al 2021). If you're suffering from constipation, ask for a bulk-forming laxative which you can take in hospital and at home. This creates poo that should be easier to pass. It will be gentle, so don't worry that it will send you running to the toilet.

How will I deal with the pain after a c-section?

You probably had a regional anaesthetic, such as a spinal or an epidural (NICE 2021) for your caesarean. You'll generally get a painkiller by injection into your spine at the same time as the anaesthetic to get you through the hours after surgery (NICE 2021).

With your consent, you will usually also be given a dose of diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug. This will be inserted into your rectum while you're still on the operating table, but you won't be given the drug if you're asthmatic.

An epidural can be topped up while you're in the recovery room (NICE 2021). If you had a general anaesthetic, you'll be given pain relief while you're still asleep (NICE 2021).

As you recover, you'll be closely monitored and offered further pain relief as and when you need it (NICE 2021). Having good pain relief will help you move around, and to feed and cuddle your baby.

Pain relief works best if you have it before the pain kicks in, rather than waiting for it to get bad before you use it (NHS 2021). Call for a midwife if you're uncomfortable or if your next dose of pain relief is due (Jarvis 2021, NHS 2021).

Most women experience some pain after a caesarean for at least a few days. For some women this can last several weeks (NHS 2019a). You should be given enough painkillers to take at home, for as long as you need them (NHS 2019a). This will usually be paracetamol and ibuprofen (NICE 2021).

If those aren't giving you enough pain relief, your midwife may offer you stronger alternatives. However, certain pain relief medications aren't suitable if you're breastfeeding, as they can have serious effects on your baby (NICE 2021).

What other treatment might I need as a I recover from a c-section

If you have a high risk of developing a blood clot, your obstetrician may recommend that you have low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) injections after the birth (RCOG 2015). Depending on your risk, you may need to have injections for 10 days or six weeks (RCOG 2015b).

LMWH is a type of blood-thinner called an anticoagulant (RCOG 2015). The risk of a blood clot developing increases after a caesarean birth and could be serious if it lodges in a vein in your leg or your lung (Jarvis 2021, NHS 2019a).

If you notice any pain in your chest, shortness of breath, or pain, redness or swelling in your calf muscles, get advice from your midwife or GP immediately (NHS 2019a). These symptoms could all be signs of a blood clot. Redness or swelling in your calf muscles can also be a sign of deep vein thrombosis, when a blood clot forms in a deep vein.

Doing some gentle ankle rotations and knee bends while you're in bed, and wearing elastic support stockings, will also improve circulation to your legs and reduce the risk of developing a blood clot (NHS 2019a, NICE 2021).

If you experienced a large amount of blood loss during your caesarean, the hospital will inform your GP, who can arrange for a repeat full blood count after you're discharged, and any follow-up treatment (NICE 2021).

If you lost a lot of blood and weren't prescribed an iron supplement to go home with, make sure you tell your midwife if you experience any shortness of breath. It might mean you have a lower level of healthy red blood cells than normal, and that you are anaemic.

When can I get out of bed after a c-section?

Because of the effect of the epidural, you might be worried about walking again. So it may come as a surprise when your midwife encourages you to get out of bed and move around, usually within 12 hours of your surgery (NHS 2019a). Even if it's the last thing you feel like doing, it's worth the effort. If you feel you might be able to stand, call your midwife to help you. Don't try to stand up by yourself.

The sooner you get going, the better for your circulation. Being mobile also means you can have your bladder catheter removed, although it's usually left in for at least 12 hours after your last epidural top-up (NHS 2019a). Each time you move around it will get easier.

How do I care for my c-section incision as I am recovering?

Air your incision to help the healing process. Your wound dressing will be taken off within 24 hours (NHS 2019a, NICE 2021). It's a good opportunity to take a look at your wound in a mirror, as you need to recognise changes as it heals. If you can't get to a mirror, try taking a picture of it on your phone, or ask your partner to check it for you. You won't need to put another dressing on it, unless your midwife or doctor asks you to.

When you're home, check for signs of infection, such as extra soreness, redness or discharge, or if the wound feels hot to the touch (NICE 2021). Tell your midwife if you spot these signs, if you feel feverish, or if it looks like the c-section incision is opening.

Gently wash and dry your wound daily (NICE 2021, NHS 2019a). It's fine to have a shower or bath after a c-section and to use soap on the wound, as long as you rinse it off. You can use a flannel if it's freshly washed. Pat, rather than rub, the wound and gently pat it dry with a clean, dry towel, or use the cool setting on your hairdryer to air-dry it. If you have non-dissolvable stitches or staples, your midwife will arrange for them to be removed after five to seven days (NHS 2019a).

Some women now have a PICO dressing instead. These small vacuum devices are very good at promoting wound healing. They are portable and painless, and will be removed after seven days by your midwife. It might be the best option for you if you have a higher BMI or have a long-term health condition that might affect wound healing, such as diabetes.

Wear loose, comfortable clothes after your caesarean, including high-waisted cotton pants a size bigger than you normally wear (NHS 2019a, NICE 2021). Tight clothes or lacy knickers could rub and aggravate your wound. You can also buy special caesarean pants made from a stretchy gauze that fit comfortably over your scar.

Other ways to help your recovery and relieve pain after a c-section

Eat and drink as soon as you feel hungry or thirsty (NHS 2019a). It's a good idea to have some snacks handy in hospital to help keep your energy levels up, as you may arrive on the ward between meal rounds.

Move around as soon as you can, drink plenty of water, and eat fibre-rich foods to make your poos softer and help prevent constipation. Some women swear by peppermint tea to soothe the pain of trapped wind which often follows surgery. Chewing gum can also help to get your bowels moving again (Short et al 2015).

Use maternity pads or sanitary pads, not tampons, for any vaginal bleeding (NHS 2019a). Tampons can increase the risk of infection. You will have some bleeding after your c-section from your womb (lochia), just as you would after a vaginal birth, although you should tell your midwife if the bleeding is heavy (NHS 2019a).

If you had an emergency caesarean, your medical team may first have tried ventouse or forceps to deliver your baby. If so, you're likely to have a sore area between your vagina and back passage (perineum) especially if you've had stitches there. Find out how to soothe a sore perineum.
What about breastfeeding during my c-section recovery?

You're just as likely to breastfeed your new baby successfully as if you've had a vaginal birth (NICE 2021). Starting breastfeeding can be more challenging after a caesarean, particularly an emergency caesarean (Hobbs et al 2016). This may be because you'll need time to recover from the operation and because of pain from your wound. Your midwife will help to place your baby on your chest and help them to latch on (NICE 2021).

Skin-to-skin contact with your baby after the birth can help to encourage breastfeeding (NICE 2021). Your medical team should offer to help you have skin-to-skin with your baby as soon as possible after the birth, but it will help to put it in your birth plan and agree it with the theatre team before the operation starts. If you're able to, put your hospital gown on so that it opens at the front.

If you have an emergency caesarean, there may not be time to arrange all of this. But you may still be able to have skin-to-skin soon after your baby's born or your partner may be offered skin-to-skin.

There may be a delay to your milk coming in (Hobbs et al 2016). Feeding frequently should help to get your milk started. In the meantime, your baby can do well on your early milk (colostrum) (NHS 2019c). Ask for help whenever you need it and keep trying different positions until you're comfortable.

In recovery, you're likely to be lying with the bedhead tilted up. So a laid-back breastfeeding position with your baby draped across you, away from your wound, is likely to work well. A midwife or support worker can help you to get comfortable before you start, and then hand your baby to you.

Some hospital beds on the postnatal ward have cots that clip on to the bed so it's easier for you to reach your baby for feeds. Feeding while lying on your side or in a laid-back position may be easier than sitting up to feed. You may also be able to syringe colostrum from your breast and feed it to your baby, if it's hard to get breastfeeding established at first. Your midwife will help you and advise you with this if you need it.

Once you get home you may need to take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, which are safe when breastfeeding. Aspirin isn't recommended when breastfeeding (NHS 2019a).

What will my c-section scar look like?

The scar is likely to be between 10 and 20cm long, and will be just below your bikini line. It will look very red at first. But as the weeks and months go by it will gradually fade (NHS 2019a). While your scar heals it may become sensitive and itchy, particularly when your pubic hair re-grows.

Any numbness on or around your scar usually gets better a few months after the operation, though it can carry on for longer (Jarvis 2021, NCT 2018). If your scar becomes very sore, red or inflamed, you may have developed an infection (NICE 2021). Tell your midwife or doctor if this happens.

A couple of years after the operation the scar will probably have faded to a faint, pale line (NHS 2019a). It will always be a slightly different colour from your normal skin tone but may eventually be almost invisible.

Scars usually fade but sometimes scar tissue keeps growing even after the wound has healed. This can lead to keloid scars, which are raised and hard to the touch. They are more common if you have dark skin, are under 30 and someone in your family has them (NHS 2019b).

If you want to see what your scar may look like, take a look at our caesarean scar slideshow for pictures of scars taken days, weeks, months and years after caesarean operations.

What can and can't I do at home after a c-section?

When you're home, you shouldn't lift anything heavier than your baby (NHS 2019a). Unfortunately, this includes your toddler if you have one, so ask for help from family and friends to help your toddler get to you for hugs and cuddles.

Sudden movements are likely to make the pain feel more acute, so take your time. If you need to cough, sneeze or laugh, try leaning forwards and supporting your wound with your hands or a small pillow or towel (POGP 2017).

Movements that involve stretching upwards will be difficult for you for a while, and strenuous jobs around the house are off-limits (NHS 2019a, POGP 2017). Ask people for help whenever you need it.

If you feel unwell in the week or so after surgery, it may be a sign of infection. Although this sounds alarming, it is common, even though you had antibiotics during the operation (NHS 2019a). Your doctor will probably prescribe a course of antibiotics, though some women need to be readmitted to hospital for treatment (Johns Hopkins nd).

How soon can I drive and exercise after a c-section?

You may not feel well enough to drive for up to six weeks after your caesarean (POGP 2017). If you feel able to drive sooner, discuss it with your GP or consultant and contact your insurance company to ensure that your policy covers you in the event of an accident (POGP 2017).

Your midwife will encourage you to start gentle postnatal exercises the day after your operation. This will help speed up your physical recovery (POGP 2017). Take it gently. Most women wait until their six-week check before starting any exercise that is more intense than going for a walk (POGP 2017).

However, it's important to start your pelvic floor exercises as soon as your catheter is out. Your pelvic floor would have been stretched during pregnancy, even if you didn't give birth vaginally. Find out how to do pelvic floor exercises, and how often.

Learn more about exercising after a caesarean.

When can I have sex after a c-section?

There's no fixed time limit, so you can have sex after a c-section whenever you feel physically and emotionally ready. Don't pressure yourself - give your postpartum body a chance to heal. Read more about sex after birth.

What are the signs of infection after a c-section?

Here are the signs of infections to watch out for and what they could mean:

Redness, discharge, a wound that is hot to the touch, worsening pain or separation in your wound may be signs that you have a wound infection (NICE 2021).

Heavy or irregular clots and bleeding, smelly discharge or a fever after the birth may indicate an infection in your womb (NHS 2019a).

Pain low down in your tummy or groin, a high temperature, chills and confusion may be symptoms of a urinary tract infection or uterine infection (NHS 2020).

A cough or shortness of breath, or swelling or pain in your lower leg may be a sign of a blood clot (NHS 2019a).

Contact your midwife or doctor if you feel feverish, or if you have any of the above symptoms.
How will I feel emotionally during my c-section recovery?

Everyone is different. How you will feel depends on what happened before and during your baby's birth. It also depends on what your expectations were (Jarvis 2021).

You may feel delighted if everything went to plan. Or you may be upset and disappointed that you didn't give birth to your baby vaginally, if that's what you were hoping for (Jarvis 2021).

If things changed swiftly during your labour and you had an emergency caesarean, you may feel upset by what you've been through.

It's rare to need care in a high dependency or intensive care unit after a caesarean, but it does happen to around nine in every 1,000 women (NICE 2021). If you spent time in either place after your baby's birth, this may also affect your feelings about what happened. You may have little or no memory of it and feel that you missed out on the first hours or days with your newborn.

It may help your emotional recovery to go over the reasons why your caesarean was necessary with your midwife, your obstetrician or a maternity unit counsellor (Cooper 2015). You should have the chance to talk through what happened and raise any concerns you have about future births.

It may be heartening to know that women who have a caesarean do not have an increased risk of depression or post-traumatic stress (NICE 2021).

While you're recovering in hospital, you should be given the opportunity to discuss why you had a caesarean, if it was unplanned. You should also be given information about future birth options (NICE 2021). Some hospitals run a birth reflection service for mums who want to talk about their experience. Contact your hospital to find out what's available.

On the other hand, you may just be glad the birth is over and grateful that you and your baby are well. Many mums recover quickly and accept their caesarean as a part of their baby's birth story.

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We answer your questions about recovery after a c-section, from how long your c-section scar will take to heal to when you can drive again.

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We have put together some of the questions that anaesthetists are commonly asked in the maternity ward and antenatal clinic. We hope that this information will help you to understand the choices available to you during labour and also the options available should you need a C-Section. If you would like to read more, don't forget to take a look at our information leaflets and videos.

Q: What types of anaesthetics are available for my caesarean section?Open or Close

A: There are two main types of anaesthetic. You can be either awake (a regional anaesthetic) or asleep (a general anaesthetic). Normally, if you have a caesarean section, you will have a regional anaesthetic. This is where you are awake but you can't feel any sensation in your lower body. It is usually safer for you and your baby and allows both you and your partner to experience the birth together. There are three forms of regional anaesthetics. These are spinal, epidural and combined spinal epidural anaesthetics.

A spinal anaesthetic is the most commonly used form. It may be used in planned or emergency Caesarean sections. The nerves that carry feeling from your lower body are contained in a bag of fluid inside your backbone. The anaesthetist will inject local anaesthetic inside this bag of fluid, using a very fine needle. This method works fast, and only needs a small dose of anaesthetic.

An epidural anaesthetic is when a thin plastic tube or catheter is put next to the nerves in your backbone, and drugs to numb the nerves can be fed through the tube when needed. An epidural is often used to treat the pain of labour using weak local anaesthetic solutions. If you need a Caesarean section, the anaesthetist can top up the epidural by giving a stronger local anaesthetic solution. You would need a larger dose of local anaesthetic with an epidural than with a spinal, and it takes longer to work.

A combined spinal-epidural anaesthetic or CSE is a combination of the two. The spinal makes you numb quickly for the caesarean section. The epidural can be used to give more anaesthetic if needed, and to give pain-relieving drugs after the caesarean.
General Anaesthesia With a general anaesthetic you will be asleep while the obstetrician carries out the caesarean section.

General anaesthesia With a general anaesthetic you will be asleep while the obstetrician carries out the caesarean section. General anaesthesia is used less often nowadays. It may be needed for some emergencies, if there is a reason why a regional anaesthetic isn't suitable for you or if you prefer to be asleep.

Q: What happens once I am booked to have an elective (planned) caesarean section?Open or Close

A: Normally you will visit the hospital before you come in for your caesarean section. The midwife will see you and take some blood from you to check you haemoglobin (HB) to make sure that you are not anaemic and to confirm your blood group in case you need a blood transfusion after your operation. She will also check that you don't have MRSA by taking some swabs from your skin. This is just a routine check. Most women go home after the assessment and come back to hospital on the day of the caesarean, but you may need to come in the night before. The midwife will give you tablets to take before your caesarean section to reduce the acid in your stomach and to help to prevent sickness. These are taken the night before your caesarean section and on the morning of the caesarean itself. You need to avoid eating and drinking for a certain period of time before you have your caesarean section. This is to prevent you feeling sick during the surgery and minimise complications. Your midwife will explain all this to you. .

You should be seen by an anaesthetist before your caesarean section. The anaesthetist will talk with you about your medical history and any anaesthetic you have had in the past. You may need an examination or more tests. The anaesthetist will also discuss the different types of anaesthetic you could have and answer your questions.

On the day of your caesarean section, the midwife will see you to check that you have taken your tablets. Your bikini line may need to be shaved. You will have a name band on your wrist or ankle. The midwife may help you to put on special tight stockings (called TED stockings) to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in your legs. You will be given a theatre gown to put on. Your birth partner, if you have one, will be able to be with you during the caesarean section. A midwife will provide them with special clothes for the operating theatre.

There are a lot of people who work in the operating theatre.
* The midwife will be there to help look after you and your baby.
* The anaesthetist will have an assistant.
* The obstetrician will have an assistant and a scrub nurse.
* There will be another nurse who is responsible for fetching extra equipment. At the very least there will be seven members of staff in the theatre.
* A paediatrician may be also present if he/she is needed

Q: What happens if I am having a regional anaesthetic?Open or Close

A: In theatre, equipment will be attached to you to measure your blood pressure, heart rate, and the amount of oxygen in your blood. This won't hurt. The anaesthetist will put a cannula (a thin plastic tube) into a vein in your hand or arm and will set up a drip to give you fluid through this. Then the anaesthetist will start the anaesthetic.

You will be asked either to sit or to lie on your side, curling your back. The anaesthetist will paint or spray your back with sterilising solution, which feels cold. They will then find a suitable point in the middle of the lower back and will give you a little local anaesthetic injection to numb the skin. This sometimes stings for a moment. Then, for a spinal anaesthetic, a fine needle is put into your back. Sometimes, you might feel a tingling going down one leg as the needle goes in, like a small electric shock. You should tell the anaesthetist if this happens, but it is important that you keep still while the anaesthetist carries out the spinal injection. When the needle is in the right position, they will inject local anaesthetic and a pain relieving drug and then remove the needle. It usually takes just a few minutes, but if it is difficult to find the right spot for the needle, it may take longer.

For an epidural (or combined spinal-epidural), the anaesthetist will use a larger needle so they can place the epidural catheter (tube) into the space next to the nerves in your backbone. As with a spinal, this sometimes causes a tingling feeling or small electric shock down your leg. It is important to keep still while the anaesthetist is putting in the epidural, but once the catheter is in place they will remove the needle and you don't have to keep still.
When the spinal or epidural is starting to work, your legs will begin to feel very heavy and warm. They may also start to tingle. Numbness will spread gradually up your body. The anaesthetist will check that the numbness has reached the middle of your chest before the caesarean section begins. It is sometimes necessary to change your position to make sure the anaesthetic is working well. The team will take your blood pressure often.

After the anaesthetist has finished putting in the spinal, epidural or combined-spinal-epidural, you will be placed on your back, and tilted to the left. If you feel sick at any time, you should mention this to the anaesthetist. A feeling of sickness is often caused by a drop in blood pressure. The anaesthetist will give you treatment to help this. While the anaesthetic is taking effect, a midwife will insert a small tube (a bladder catheter) into your bladder to keep it empty during the operation. This should not be uncomfortable. The bladder catheter will usually be removed once you are able to walk and at least 12 hours after the last "top-up dose" (a dose of spinal or epidural anaesthetic drugs given to maintain the effects of the anaesthetic). This means you won't need to worry about being able to pass urine. The midwife will listen to your baby's heartbeat before the operation starts.

Q: What happens when I arrive in theatre for the general anaesthetic?Open or Close

A: Most of the preparations are similar to those for a regional anaesthetic. In theatre, equipment will be attached to you to measure your blood pressure, heart rate, and the amount of oxygen in your blood. This won't hurt. The anaesthetist will put a cannula (a thin plastic tube) into a vein in your hand or arm and will set up a drip to give you fluid through this. Then the anaesthetist will start the anaesthetic. You will be asked to lie down on the operating table, tilted to the left.

You will be given an antacid to drink (to reduce the acid in your stomach) and a midwife may insert a catheter into your bladder before the general anaesthetic is started.

Q: How will the general anaesthetic be given?Open or Close

A: The anaesthetist will give you oxygen to breathe through a tight fitting face mask which they put on your face for a few minutes. Once the obstetrician and all the team are ready, the anaesthetist will put the anaesthetic in your drip to send you to sleep. Just as you go off to sleep, the anaesthetist's assistant will press lightly on your neck. This is to prevent stomach fluids getting into your lungs. The anaesthetic works very quickly.

When you are asleep, the anaesthetist will place a tube into your windpipe to allow a machine to breathe for you and also to prevent fluid from your stomach from entering your lungs. The anaesthetist will continue the anaesthetic to keep you asleep and allow the obstetrician to deliver your baby safely. But you won't know anything about any of this. The anaesthetist or obstetrician will put in some local anaesthetic which will help with the pain relief afterwards. At the end of the operation, you may be given a suppository (tablet) up your bottom to help relieve pain when you wake up.

Q: What are the advantages of a regional anaesthetic compared with a general anaesthetic?Open or Close

A:
* Spinals and epidurals are usually safer for you and your baby.
* They let you and your partner share in the birth.
* You will feel less sleepy afterwards.
* They will let you feed and hold your baby as early as possible.
* You will usually have good pain relief afterwards.
* Your baby will usually be more alert when it is born.
* Less post operative nausea and vomiting.

Q: What are the disadvantages of regional anaesthesia compared with general anaesthesia?Open or Close

A:
* Spinals and epidurals can lower your blood pressure, though this is easy to treat.
* In general they take longer to take effect, so it will take longer to get you ready for the operation than a general anaesthetic.
* Occasionally, they may make you feel shaky.
* Rarely, they do not work well enough, so the anaesthetist may need to give you a general anaesthetic.
* You may have a tender area in the back where your needles goes in
* You may develop a post dural puncture headache (See below under risks and side effects associated with regional anaesthesia for caesarean section)

Q: What are the risks and side effects associated with regional anaesthesia for caesarean section? Open or Close

A: The risks of a regional anaesthetic are shown in a table below. The information comes from published documents. The figures shown in the table are estimates and may be different in different hospitals.

Risks and side effects of regional anaesthetic

Possible problem

How common the problem is

Itching

Common - about 1 in 3 to 10 people, depending on the drug and dose

Epidural given during labour not effective enough to be topped up so another anaesthetic is needed for the Caesarean section

Anaesthetic not working well enough and more drugs are needed to help with pain during the operation

Regional anaesthetic not working well enough for Caesarean section and general anaesthetic is needed

Nerve damage
(For example, numb patch on a leg or foot, weakness of a leg)

Effects lasting less than six months:
Quite rare - about 1 in 1,000 to 2,000

Effects lasting more than six months:
Rare - about 1 in 24,000

Meningitis

Very rare - about 1 in 100,000

Abscess (infection) in the spine at the site of the spinal or epidural

Haematoma (blood clot) in the spine at the site of the spinal or epidural

Abscess or haematoma causing severe injury, including paralysis (paraplegia)

With an epidural:

A large amount of local anaesthetic being accidentally injected into a vein in the spine

A large amount of local anaesthetic being accidentally injected into spinal fluid, which may cause difficulty in breathing and, very rarely, unconsciousness

Accurate figures are not available for all of these risks and side effects. Figures are estimates and may vary from hospital to hospital.

Q: What are the risks and side effects associated with general anaesthesia for caesarean section? Open or Close

A: The risks of a regional anaesthetic are shown in a table below. The information comes from published documents. The figures shown in the table are estimates and may be different in different hospitals.

Risks and side effects of general anaesthetic

Possible problem

How common the problem is

Shivering

Common - about 1 in 3 people

The anaesthetist failing to insert a breathing tube when you are asleep

Chest infection

Acid from your stomach going into your lungs

Uncommon - about 1 in 250 people

Common - about 1 in 100 people - but most infections are not severe

Quite rare - about 1 in 1,000 people

Awareness (being able to recall part of the time during your anaesthetic)

Uncommon - about 1 in 670 people

Death or brain damage

Death:
Very rare - fewer than 1 in 100,000 people (1 or 2 people a year in the UK)
Brain damage:
Very rare - exact figures are not known.

Accurate figures are not available for all of these risks and side effects. Figures are estimates and may vary from hospital to hospital. If you have any questions you should discuss these with your anaesthetist.

A national survey has found that regional anaesthesia use for pregnant women carries lower risks of permanent harm than for other groups of patients [Cook TM, Counsell D, Wildsmith JAW. Major complications of central neuraxial block: report on the third National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. British Journal of Anaesthesia 2009; 102: 179-190]

Q: Where can I get more information about my anaesthetic?Open or Close

A: You can get more information on anaesthetics and anaesthetic risks from the Royal College of Anaesthetists www.youranaesthetic.info or from the OAA: www.labourpains.com.

You can find more information about standards of care for Caesarean section in the book: Caesarean section: Clinical Guideline (National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health; commissioned by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. London: Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists Press, 2004).

Q: Who has given the above information? Open or Close

A: These FAQ's were written by the Information for Mothers Subcommittee of the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association.

The subcommittee is made up of the following people.
Dr Makani Purva (chairman)
Dr Ian Wrench (secretary)
Dr Mary Mushambi (consultant anaesthetist)
Dr Claire Candelier (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists representative)
Gail Johnson (Royal College of Midwives representative)
Dr Hilary Swales (consultant anaesthetist)
Dr Sarah Griffiths (registrar anaesthetist)
Mrs Smriti Singh (lay member)
Rachel Bingham (Lay member)

We have tried to make sure all leaflets and translations are accurate, and all information was correct at the time of writing.
We would like to thank the previous subcommittee members for their work on the previous editions.

We have tried to make sure all leaflets and translations are accurate, and all information was correct at the time of writing.

We would like to thank the previous subcommittee members for their work on the previous editions.

OAA Secretariat
Phone: +44 (0)020 8741 1311
E-mail: secretariat@oaa-anaes.ac.uk
Website: www.labourpains.com
Registered Charity No 1111382
© Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association 2014

Q: What references have been used to provide the above data?Open or Close

A: * Holdcroft A, Gibberd FB, Hargrove RL, Hawkins DF, Dellaportas CI. Neurological complications associated with pregnancy. British Journal of Anaesthesia 1995 - chapter 75, pages 522-526.
* Jenkins K, Baker AB. Consent and anaesthetic risk. Anaesthesia 2003 - chapter 58, pages 962-984.
* Jenkins JG, Khan MM. Anaesthesia for Caesarean section: a survey in a UK region from 1992 to 2002. Anaesthesia 2003 - chapter 58, pages 1114-1118.
* Jenkins JG. Some immediate serious complications of obstetric epidural analgesia and anaesthesia: a prospective study of 145,550 epidurals.International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia 2005 - chapter 14, pages 37-42.
* Reynolds F. Infection a complication of neuraxial blockade. International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia 2005 - chapter 14, pages 183-188.
* Ruppen W, Derry S, McQuay H, Moore RA. Incidence of epidural hematoma, infection, and neurologic injury in obstetric patients with epidural analgesia/ anesthesia. Anesthesiology 2006 - chapter 105, pages 394-399.
* Cook TM, Counsell D, Wildsmith JAW. Major complications of cenral neuraxial block: report on the third National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. British Journal of Anaesthesia 2009; 102: 179-190
* Pandit JJ, Cook TM. The 5th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland. Accidental Awareness during General Anaesthesia in the United Kingdom and Ireland. September 2014.
* Soltanifar S, Tunstill S, Bhardwaj M, Russell R. The incidence of postoperative morbidity following general anaesthesia for caesarean section. IJOA. 2011;20(4) 365.
* Morgan BM , Aulakh JM , Barker JP et al . Anesthetic morbidity following cesarean section under epidural or general anesthesia. Lancet 1984;1:328-30.
* The Royal College of Anaesthetists. Anaesthesia explained. Information for patients, relatives and friends. RCoA 2008. 3rd edition. www.rcoa.ac.uk/patientinfo.

Please note: These questions and answers are by their nature quite general. We are afraid that the OAA cannot enter into discussions about nor answer enquiries about specific cases. If you have any questions, comments or complaints about your own care, you should take this up with the unit responsible. Please note that all hospitals have a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) who can help you if you are unsure how to go about this.

If you would like to read more, please also see our Further Resources section of the website.

Scan the QR code below to download the infographic on mobile or tablet.

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FAQs Your Anaesthetic for Caesarean Section

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We have put together some of the questions that anaesthetists are commonly asked in the maternity ward and antenatal clinic. We hope that this information will help you to understand the choices available to you during labour and also the options available should you need a C-Section.

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Who will be there during a caesarean birth?

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Who will be there during a caesarean birth?

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Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist

You may be surprised by how crowded the theatre can get during a caesarean. There will be doctors, midwives and nurses present. Each is there to care for you and your baby at different stages of the operation and the recovery to follow.

The following people are likely to be present:

a midwife, to do basic checks on your baby once he's born

a consultant obstetrician or registrar, who does the surgery

the obstetrician's assistant

an anaesthetist, who gives you the drugs to numb you

a paediatrician, if you are under general anaesthetic, or if your baby will need special care once he's born

a paediatric resuscitation team, in case your baby needs help straight away

an anaesthetic nurse or operating department assistant

a scrub nurse, to help the obstetrician with the instruments

one or two theatre nurses

medical students or student midwives (with your permission)

The total number of people with you in the theatre depends on the type of birth you are expected to have. If you're giving birth to one baby, and it's likely to be straightforward, there may be nine or 10 people. If you're having twins, and there are concerns for you and your babies' wellbeing, the number will be higher. There could be as many as 20 people in theatre with you.
Your birth partner should be allowed in theatre too, as long as you're not having a general anaesthetic. Having a familiar face will probably be a great comfort in such a clinical place.

However, the caesarean may not feel like a very private moment for you and your partner. You may feel as though you lack control, although you can still make choices:

You can ask for anyone who doesn't need to be there to leave. This may mean just the students, as everyone else there should have a role in the birth. Though students need to see caesareans as part of their training, it doesn't have to be your caesarean.

During your baby's birth, you can ask for quiet, so that you don't miss out on hearing your baby's first cry. It may be possible for yours to be the first voice your baby hears, though this depends on your individual circumstances. Discuss this with the midwife looking after you.

You can ask that your partner is the one to tell you the sex of your baby.

You can request your favourite music to be played whilst your baby is being born.

If you're having an emergency caesarean, things tend to move more swiftly, but that doesn't mean you can't make requests. If there is time, your operating team should be able to accommodate your wishes.
To plan the birth experience you want for your caesarean, see our guide to writing a caesarean birth plan.

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Who will be in the operating theatre during my caesarean?

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Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist You may be surprised by how crowded the theatre can get during a caesarean. There will be doctors, midwives and nurses present. Each is there to care for you and your baby at different stages of the operation and the recovery to follow.

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What is a caesarean birth?

Caesarean birth is when a baby is born by abdominal surgery. Around a third of babies in the UK are born by caesarean (NHS Digital, 2021). Some are planned, while others are unplanned caesareans.

To find about more about when a planned or unplanned caesarean may be offered and the different things you might want to consider, read our article.

Planning for a caesarean birth

A planned or 'elective' caesarean usually takes place after 39 weeks of pregnancy, when a baby's lungs are developed, to reduce the chances of your baby having any breathing problems immediately after birth (NICE, 2021). However, there may still be health factors to consider that will mean your midwife or doctor may suggest a planned birth earlier than 39 weeks (NICE, 2021).

If you are carrying twins or triplets, your doctor or midwife will discuss your particular circumstances, and the type and timing of the birth with you. This may include a planned caesarean as early as 32 weeks for the most complicated situations (NICE, 2019).

What will happen before my planned caesarean?

If you are planning to have a caesarean birth, you will have the opportunity to discuss your decision and birth preferences with your midwife and doctor.

You will be offered an appointment about a week before the planned date to discuss the procedure and you will be given medication to take before the operation. This could include antibiotics, anti-sickness medication, or anti-acid medication (NHS, 2019a).

You will also be offered a blood test to check for anemia and determine your blood group (NICE, 2019, 2021a).

You will be asked to sign a written consent form. The information should always be presented to you in a way which you can understand (NICE, 2021; RCOG, 2015). This is your chance to ask any questions, and have time to consider the answers, before you sign the consent form (NHS, 2019a).

You'll be given a time to arrive at hospital and asked not to eat for a few hours before the surgery, although isotonic drinks may be recommended (NHS, 2019a; NICE, 2021). Surgery may not take place for several hours after your arrival time, depending on how many other planned and unplanned caesareans are being performed that day. Some parents take things to keep themselves entertained in this time, and this is also an opportunity to ask any more questions you might have.

When you arrive at hospital, a midwife will check you have taken the medication given to you at your pre-operative appointment and may recommend pressure stockings to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (when an artery in the lungs is blocked by a blood clot that has travelled from elsewhere in the body).

You'll often meet the anesthetist first to discuss your options. A regional (spinal) anesthetic is most common (OAA, 2022) but some caesareans are performed under general anesthetic.

What happens just before I go into theatre?

You will be given a gown to put on for theatre, and a name band for your wrist or ankle. Your birth partner will be invited to change into theatre scrubs as well.

Once in theatre, your blood pressure, pulse and temperature will be checked, and your baby's heartbeat will be monitored. You will be asked to confirm your name and date of birth (OAA, 2022).

Your birth partner may be directed where to sit and asked to avoid certain areas of the room to minimise the chance of infections (OAA, 2022).

Regional (spinal) anesthetic is most commonly used during caesarean birth. You will be invited to sit or lie on your side, curling your back. The anesthetist will spray the area with a sterilizing solution before administering a local anesthetic to numb the lower back. The spinal anesthetic is then administered, but it may take a few minutes to get it in the right place.

Some people describe the sensation as tingly or like a small electric shock, and as the drug takes effect the legs and lower body begin to feel very heavy and warm. The anesthetist will be monitoring how you are feeling and can provide treatment if you feel sick or dizzy (OAA, 2022).

Once the anaesthetic has been administered in theatre, a catheter will be inserted into your bladder to drain urine away and a drip will be put into your arm to provide fluids and any medication, such as antibiotics.

The incision for your caesarean birth will be made around the area where pubic hair grows. If there is any hair in this area, it will be shaved off before the birth (NHS, 2019; OAA, 2022). It is not recommended to do this yourself in advance, as research shows this leads to a higher chance of wound infection (Ng et al, 2013).

Caesarean under general anaesthetic

Around 9 in 100 caesarean births are performed under general anaesthetic (Bamber et al, 2020). Some women chose this due to an extreme fear of needles (OAA, 2022) while medical reasons could include allergies, clotting issues, or spinal problems (OAA, 2022; NHS, 2019a).

A general anaesthetic might also be used if your baby needs to be born quickly (OAA, 2022).

During a general anaesthetic your birth partner may not be allowed to be present in the operating theatre (OAA, 2022). They can wait in recovery and will be able to look after the baby and have skin to skin contact while you come out of theatre. If your baby needs to be taken to special care for any reason, your birth partner may be invited to join them.

What happens during a caesarean?

The procedure is similar whether the caesarean is planned or unplanned.

Don't be surprised if there are a lot of people in the operating theatre. Depending on the reason for your caesarean, staff might include:

midwife(ves)

two obstetricians

a theatre nurse and an assistant

an anaesthetist and an assistant

paediatrician (a doctor specialising in children)

If you're awake during the procedure, a screen is usually put up so you and your birth partner can't see the operation. If you prefer, you can ask to have the screen lowered when your baby is being born.

Your birth preferences, like playing music in theatre, or silence so your voice is the first your baby hears, should be accommodated where possible.

During the procedure you will be slightly tilted on to your side and may be aware of the sounds of the instruments being moved around, and of the suction of fluids from around the baby. This is completely normal.

You shouldn't feel any pain during the operation, but you might feel some pressure. You might also feel some mildly uncomfortable, rather than painful, sensations. Some women have said it feels like 'having someone doing the washing-up in my tummy'. Generally, the anaesthetist will talk to you during the operation and give you more pain relief if you need it.

If you've had a general anaesthetic, you won't be aware of anything until you're awake. This will usually be in the recovery room rather than the operating theatre.

When will I meet my baby for the first time?

If you're awake and your baby is well, you can cuddle and have skin-to-skin contact straight away. Your partner can also do this if you prefer.

You can also choose delayed or optimal cord clamping. Waiting to clamp the cord can provide the baby with a higher iron level after birth. If possible, it's good to discuss your preferences with your obstetrician before your operation.

If you have a general anaesthetic and your baby is well, they might be given to your birth partner for skin-to-skin contact in another room near the operating theatre.

Sometimes you will be able to have assisted skin-to-skin contact in the operating theatre, even if you're not awake. Your baby can be placed on your chest and supported by a midwife while your wound is stitched.

If your baby needs any help breathing, or has other problems, they may be taken to the special care baby unit (Labour Pains 2018).

Will happens if I need an unplanned caesarean?

An unplanned caesarean (sometimes called an emergency caesarean) takes place during labour, or before labour starts if an unexpected medical problem comes up.

If there are immediate concerns for you or your baby, an emergency caesarean will usually be performed within 20-30 minutes, although this only occurs in around 1 in 10 unplanned caesarean births (NICE, 2021; OAA, 2022).

If there are no immediate concerns, it could take up to 75 minutes from when the decision is made, and the preparation will be very similar to that of a planned caesarean (NICE, 2021). You will be asked to sign a written consent form, but in an emergency, verbal consent is sufficient (NICE, 2021; RCOG, 2015). Partners cannot sign the form instead of the woman, even if she is unconscious (Birthrights, No date).

If your caesarean is unplanned and you've already had an epidural during labour, this is usually topped up. Occasionally, an epidural alone is not sufficient, in which case other options include a combination epidural and spinal block, or a general anaesthetic (OAA, 2022).

What happens after a caesarean?

While you're staying in hospital you will be given pain relief. You should also be able to have close contact with your baby and start breastfeeding, if you would like to - some people even start doing this in theatre or the recovery room. You should be offered infant feeding support as soon as possible after the birth of your baby.

You'll be encouraged to get out of bed when you feel able to and to eat and drink as soon as you want to. You won't be able to drive for a few weeks, so you will need to arrange transport home.

You should receive advice on looking after your wound at home, and on taking any painkillers you may need during the recovery period.

You can read more about other aspects of caesarean birth in some of our related articles.

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

For statistics on your local hospital's caesarean section rates, see which birth choice.

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Having a caesarean: what to expect | Labour & birth, Different types of birth articles & support | NCT

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Knowing what happens during a caesarean and immediately after can help you feel more prepared. Here, we explain what happens before the operation, the difference between planned and unplanned caesareans, the anaesthetic used, and what happens afterwards.

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What is a caesarean birth? | Labour & birth, Different types of birth articles & support | NCT

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Caesarean birth is when a baby is born by abdominal surgery. Some are planned, while others are unplanned or emergency caesareans.