What to expect for a caesarean
What if things change?
You can change your decision at any time.
Pregnancy and birth are unpredictable. It is helpful to think about your birth preferences. You can change your decision at any time.
If a caesarean is planned but labour begins on its own, you should contact your maternity unit.
Some people make their decision about caesarean birth during their early antenatal care. You should discuss your birth preferences and the implications, benefits and risks of different options with your midwife or doctor before 28 weeks of pregnancy. After 28 weeks you should receive information about recognising labour.
The decision to plan a caesarean birth should be discussed and documented at the 36-week antenatal clinic or midwife home visit.
You may plan a caesarean birth and have a vaginal birth. You may plan either a spontaneous or induced vaginal birth and have a caesarean birth.
References
Antenatal care. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2021 Aug 19. PMID: 34524750. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng201/chapter/Recommendations
Kingdon C, Neilson J, Singleton V, Gyte G, Hart A, Gabbay M, et al. Choice and birth method: mixed-method study of caesarean delivery for maternal request. Bjog. 2009;116(7):886-95.
Divall B, Spiby H, Nolan M, Slade P. Plans, preferences or going with the flow: An online exploration of women's views and experiences of birth plans. Midwifery. 2017 Nov;54:29-34. doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2017.07.020.
