What is a caesarean section?
A caesarean section is an operation, which involves making incisions in the front wall of the abdomen and the womb. This procedure is commonly used when there are complications during labour or the mother has a health problem which would make it difficult for them to undergo natural childbirth; caesarean sections are also common when more than one baby is being delivered.
The caesarean section is usually carried out under regional anaesthetic; this means a specific area of the body is anaesthetised, rather than the whole body, which would involve a general anaesthetic. Regional anaesthetic is preferred to general anaesthetic because it carries fewer risks for both the mother and the baby. The mother will remain conscious throughout the operation but they should not be able to feel the incisions being made. Typically, the operation takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
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?
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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