What to expect for a caesarean
Before your caesarean birth
Consent for a planned caesarean birth
You will have an appointment with a consultant, or a senior doctor or midwife, to confirm your decision and consent.
This may take place in person, online, or over the phone. You will be asked to sign a consent form. Before you sign the consent form, this is a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
The discussion will explain the risks and benefits of the surgery. The clinician will explain the information and you will have the oppourtunity to read it. Take your time and ask about anything you need more explanation for.
Consent is a legal document that will be kept in your record and it’s a flexible process; you can change your mind at anytime.
If you have signed the consent form before the day of your surgery, as may be the case in planned cesarean birth, a healthcare provider will confirm your consent on the day of the surgery.
Pre-operation steps
Pre-operation assessment
You may be asked to attend a “Pre Op” clinic, or a clinician will check some health questions.
We will:
Measure your blood pressure.
Give you an antacid tablet to take the night before your caesarean.
Check your general health
Each hospital will then have its own process for giving you a time and date and to return to the hospital. This will usually be the morning that your operation is planned for.
When to stop eating and drinking before your operation
You will be given a time to stop eating and drinking before your operation because having food in your stomach carries a small risk of going into your lungs and causing an infection, if a general anaesthetic is needed. You may be given a sugary drink to have before your operation.
You should prepare not to be able to eat or drink for the 6 hours before your operation is planned.
On the day
On the arrival at the hospital on the day, you will usually be seen by the obstetric and anaesthetic doctors to check your consent and discuss your anaesthetic. You may be given some antacid medication to take. You will be asked to change into a surgical gown, given some tight socks (TEDs) and perhaps a cap. You birth partner may be asked to change into a theatre outfit.
References
Caesarean birth. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2024 Jan 30. PMID: 33877751. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng192/chapter/Recommendations.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Planned Caesarean Birth: Consent Advice No. 14 August 2022 Minor Update November 2024.
