Planned Caesarean Birth can be arranged before labour following a discussion with a senior midwife or doctor. 

A planned caesarean birth may be offered because:

Of the position of your baby.  For example, if your baby’s bottom or feet are likely to be born first (Breech presentation as shown in the picture).

You should be offered a scan to confirm your baby is in the breech position. They do move. A lot. So the scan should be after 36+0 weeks and as late in pregnancy as possible. Your midwife or doctor will discuss with you the benefits and risks of planned vaginal birth versus planned caesarean birth for breech presentation, and the option of external cephalic version (also known as ECV). This is when a healthcare professional attempts to turn the baby by gently applying pressure to your abdomen to encourage the baby to turn. You will be offered an ECV if you have an uncomplicated breech pregnancy with one baby. Further information can be found here Recommendations | Caesarean birth | Guidance | NICE

You are expecting twins, and the first twin is not head down (cephalic). If twin 1 is head down a vaginal or caesarean birth may be safe depending on the type of twin pregnancy you have andyou’re your pregnancy is progressing. Your clinical team will give you more information and support you in your decision. Further information can be found here:  Recommendations | Twin and triplet pregnancy | Guidance | NICE

Of problems with your placenta. The position of your placenta, or a problem with your placenta means you will be offered a caesarean birth. 

Low-lying placenta (placenta previa) as shown in the image is where your placenta partly or completely covers your cervix, preventing the baby from passing through safely during a vaginal birth. 

Invasive placenta (placenta accreta) is where the placenta grows too deeply into the wall of your uterus, which puts you at high risk of excessive bleeding. People who have had a previous caesarean or other kinds of surgery on their womb are at higher risk.  If suspected, you will be referred for specialist care. Further information can be found here Recommendations | Caesarean birth | Guidance | NICE

You have had a previous caesarean birth. Women who have had two or more previous caesareans, or one caesarean with a vertical incision will be advised to have a repeat caesarean. Planned vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) may be offered to the majority of women expecting one baby, in the head down position who have had one previous caesarean, with or without a history of previous vaginal birth. Further information can be found here: Birth after Previous Caesarean Birth (Green-top Guideline No. 45) | RCOG    

Other medical problems, including to prevent mother-to-child transmission of infections. For example if you have HIV and Hepatitis B or C virus you will be offered a planned caesarean section. If you only have Hepatitis B or C virus you will not. Further information can be found here Recommendations | Caesarean birth | Guidance | NICE