Caesarean birth advice and information

A caesarean birth is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb. About a quarter of babies are born by caesarean birth and two thirds of these deliveries are unexpected. Our information helps you to understand the pain relief choices available to you should you need a caesarean birth.

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Elective vs emergency caesarean birth

If you know beforehand you’ll be having a caesarean birth, it’s called an elective operation. Your appointment will normally be before your baby’s due date, so you don’t go into labour.

An emergency caesarean is where your obstetrician recommends a caesarean birth, usually when you are already in labour. If it is very urgent (usually because there is a sudden problem with your baby), then some of the preparations we would normally do may be changed or even left out.

Types of pain relief

There are two main types of anaesthetic for your caesarean birth: you will either be awake (regional anaesthetic) or asleep (general anaesthetic).

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.

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General anaesthetic

You will be asleep while the obstetrician carries out the caesarean birth. 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.

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Other information related to caesarean birth

Elective caesarean

What to expect when you have an elective caesarean birth.

What will happen

Emergency caesarean

What to expect if you have to have an emergency caesarean birth.

Find out more

Birth partners in theatre

Find out what to expect if your partner has a caesarean birth and you are in theatre.

Birth partners