What happens during a caesarean birth?
At the beginning of the procedure you will be given an epidural, a regional anaesthetic, which is inserted into the spine; this will prevent you from experiencing pain during the operation. An epidural is safer than general anaesthetic. During the operation, you will be awake and conscious but you should not experience pain; sometimes, a screen will be put up so that you cannot see what is going on during the procedure. A catheter will also be fitted during the procedure as the anaesthetic will prevent you from realising whether your bladder needs emptying.
Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, horizontal incisions will be made across the top of the pubic bone and in the wall of the womb; this will allow the surgeon to deliver the baby. Once the baby has been delivered, the placenta will also be removed and the incision will be stitched up using dissolvable stitches. A horizontal incision is preferred to a vertical incision because it heals more effectively and scarring will be less obvious. In rare cases, the baby’s skin may also be cut when the incision is made; this occurs in around 2 percent of cases.
After the procedure has been completed, you will usually be given an injection of a hormone called oxytocin, which helps to reduce bleeding and encourages the womb to contract back to its normal size. You may also be offered antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
During the operation, you may experience discomfort and it may feel like the surgeon is rummaging in your stomach; this may be odd but the procedure will be over quickly and you shouldn’t experience severe pain. Your birth partner will also be able to stay with you throughout the operation.
Caesarean Section:
- Caesarean Section
- What is a caesarean section?
- When is a caesarean section carried out?
- What happens during a caesarean birth?
- After the caesarean
- What are the risks?
Pregnancy Guide
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Giving Birth Intro
- The Quick Guide to Giving Birth
- Inducing Labour
- Myths about Labour
- Antenatal Classes
- Childbirth Fears
- Timing Contractions
- Vaginal Birth after Caesarean (VBAC)
- Home Birth
- Possible complications in childbirth
- Signs of Labour
- Stages of Labour
- Natural Childbirth
- Water Birth
- Assisted Birth
- Birthing Positions
- Caesarean Section
- Episiotomy
- Giving Birth FAQ
Related Guides
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Guide to Getting Pregnant
- Guide to Pregnancy
- Guide to Giving Birth
- Guide to Pregnancy Tests
- Mother, Baby & Beyond Guide
- Guide to Pain Relief in Labour
- Guide to pregnancy scans
- Pregnancy calendar guide
- Baby calendar guide
- Child development calendar guide
- Guide to miscarriage
- Guide to breastfeeding
- Guide to sleeping for mother & baby
- Guide to birth defects
- Guide to Post Natal depression