A caesarean is an operation where your baby is born through a cut made in your abdomen and womb. Caesarean birth can be an option before or during labour. There are different levels of urgency for a caesarean birth: Planned caesarean birth; Unplanned caesarean birth (with time to discuss options within 72 hours); Emergency caesarean birth (can be within 30 minutes). How likely you are to have a caesarean birth depends on your current pregnancy, previous birth experience and personal preferences. In England, the total caesarean birth rate for all births is 42 in 100. 44 in 100 women/birthing people have a caesarean birth in their first pregnancy. If they have had a vaginal birth before, it is less common to have an unplanned/emergency caesarean birth.

Planned Caesarean Birth can be scheduled before labour following a discussion with a senior midwife or doctor. It can be offered or requested for lots of reasons including: • The position of your baby e.g. Baby being bottom first (Breech). • You have had a previous caesarean birth (especially if more than one previous caesarean). • You are expecting twins that might need a caesarean birth. • Some medical problems e.g. infection. • Low lying (placenta praevia) or invasive placenta (placenta accreta). • You request it. Unplanned caesarean birth can be offered because: • Your baby shows signs of not coping with labour. • There are concerns for your health (e.g. infection) before or during labour. • Your labour slows down. • You request it during labour. An Emergency Caesarean Birth is advised because you or your baby’s life is at risk. We have two help sheets on this website to support you in the instance of being recommended an emergency caesarean (within 30 minutes before the procedure) and for after an emergency caesarean.

Before labour, other options for the birth of your baby may include spontaneous or induced birth. You may find the Core Information Sets for vaginal birth or induction of labour helpful. If you are in labour, continuing with labour or an instrumental birth with forceps or ventouse may be an option too. You do not have to agree to a caesarean birth even if it is recommended.