Caesarean Section
This page will give you information about a Caesarean
section. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
relevant health professional.
What is a Caesarean section?
A Caesarean section is a procedure to deliver a baby by a
surgical operation.
It may be recommended for the following reasons.
- Your baby is positioned in a way other than head down, such as
breech.
- Your baby is not growing properly or is distressed.
- The placenta is lying in front of your baby and either
completely or partly over your cervix.
- You have had a Caesarean section before.
- You have a multiple pregnancy.
- You have a particular complication of pregnancy which makes a
Caesarean section more preferable than vaginal delivery.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Sometimes a Caesarean section is the only safe method of
delivery.
Are there any alternatives to a Caesarean section?
The alternatives are normal labour or induced labour followed by
a vaginal delivery.
What does the operation involve?
Almost all Caesarean sections are performed under a spinal or an
epidural anaesthetic. The operation usually takes less than an
hour.
Your obstetrician will make a low horizontal cut in the ‘bikini’
line (see figure 1). They will separate the muscles of the
abdominal wall, open your uterus and deliver your baby through the
cut.
Figure 1 - A bikini-line cut is performed for a Caesarean
section
What complications can happen?
General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the wound
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
Specific complications of this operation
- Infection inside the womb
- Bladder damage
- Small scratch on the baby’s skin
- Breathing difficulties for the baby
How soon will I recover?
You will usually be able to go home after three to five
days.
In the first two weeks you should do little other than care for
your baby. For the first six weeks after the operation do not lift
anything heavy or do strenuous housework.
Most women take at least three months to recover.
Summary
A Caesarean section is a common operation and is usually a safe
method of delivery for you and your baby.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Andrew Woods MBBS MRCOG FRANZCOG
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2007 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare
Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is
produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health
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The information should not replace advice that your relevant
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