C-sections (Caesareans) - everything you need to know

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C-section information for expectant parents

What is a planned c-section?

What is an emergency c-section?

C-section myths

Around 1 in 4 women and birthing people have a caesarean birth. A c-section (caesarean) may be planned or unplanned. Here's what you need to know about why you may need a c-section and what to do if you would like to have one.

C-section information for expectant parents

A c-section (caesarean) is an operation to deliver your baby and may be planned or unplanned. A doctor makes a cut through your lower tummy and womb and lifts your baby out through it. The whole operation normally takes about 40 to 50 minutes.

You may have a planned (elective) c-section if you know you will need a c-section before you go into labour.

You may have an unplanned (emergency) c-section if this is the safest way to deliver your baby.

About 1 in 4 women who give birth in the UK have a c-section. Most of these are emergency c-sections.

What is a planned c-section (caesarean)?

Sometimes, a c-section may be safer for you or your baby than a vaginal birth. For example, your doctor or midwife may offer you a planned c-section if:  

• there are problems with the placenta, such as a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia)
• your baby is lying in a difficult position for labour, such as bottom down (breech)
• you are carrying twins who share a placenta or if either baby is lying in a difficult position for labour
• you are expecting more than two babies.

If you have HIV or genital herpes, your doctor will explain your birth options and talk to you about the safest way to deliver your baby. Some women and birthing people may need a c-section to reduce the risk of passing the virus to the baby.

You can decide whether to have a planned c-section. You do not have to have one if you don’t want one. You can also choose to have a c-section, even if there’s no medical need. 

If you decide to have a planned c-section, you will see an obstetrician. This is a doctor who specialises in care during pregnancy, labour and after birth. They will explain the benefits and risks of a c-section and your other birth options. You will also see a midwife at each of your maternity appointments where you can discuss your options.  

 Learn more about making informed decisions in pregnancy.

If you’re having a planned c-section, you will usually have it after 39 weeks of pregnancy. This is because babies born earlier than this are more likely to need help with their breathing. Sometimes there’s a medical reason for delivering the baby earlier than this. For example, if you’re expecting more than 1 baby.

What is an emergency c-section (caesarean)?

You may have an unplanned emergency c-section if your baby needs to be delivered quickly. This may happen if your labour is not progressing or there’s any concern about your or your baby’s wellbeing. 

The word ‘emergency’ makes it sound rushed, but there’s often time to decide whether you want a c-section. Your doctor and midwife will explain what your options are. If your or your baby’s health is at risk, you may need to have a c-section more quickly. 

“Everything I had ever heard about c-sections had been negative and scary. So, when I was told I needed an emergency c-section, I was very anxious. But it went well and I had a good experience, which I hadn’t thought was possible.”
Tommy’s Facebook user

Most caesareans are carried out under spinal or epidural anaesthetic. This mean you'll be awake, but the lower part of your body is numbed so you will not feel any pain.

Occasionally, a general anaesthetic (where you're asleep) may be used, particularly if the baby needs to be delivered more quickly.

C-section (caesarean) myths

There’s no evidence that any of these things affect your chances of needing a c-section:

• Walking around during labour.
• Not lying on your back during labour.
• Being in water during labour.
• Drinking raspberry leaf tea.

There is no evidence that your height or the size of your baby can predict whether you will need a c-section. Being short or having a small pelvis or small feet does not affect whether you can have a vaginal birth.

You may be more likely to have a c-section if you are overweight or over the age of 40 but this does not mean that you will definitely need one. Your health care team will work with you to help you make the best decision.

Read about what happens during a c-section.  

Read about preparing for a c-section.