There are two kinds of Caesarean section, primary (planned) and secondary (unplanned).
Planned Caesarean section
If your doctor determines before the birth that a vaginal delivery would be too risky or impossible, or if you decide to have a Caesarean section due to personal reasons, this is referred to as a planned Caesarean section.
Possible medical indications for a planned Caesarean section include:
- Multiple pregnancy e.g. twins
- Head/pelvis disproportion (baby is in a breech or transverse position)
- Birth canal blocked by the placenta e.g. placenta previa
Under normal circumstances, you will be admitted to hospital several hours before the Caesarean section is due to be performed. Please remember that you should go into the operation on an empty stomach.
A midwife will examine you, inform you of the operating procedure and will then accompany you to surgery, where the anaesthetics team will be preparing to monitor your heart activity and circulation. Accompanied by the OP (theatre) team, your gynaecologist, the midwife and a paediatrician, the anaesthetics team will assume responsibility for caring for you throughout the Caesarean section.
Caesarean section procedure
In normal circumstances, a Caesarean section is performed under local anaesthetic. This enables you to experience the birth of your child in full consciousness. In a Caesarean section, the actual birth lasts only 5 to 10 minutes. The surgeon requires an additional 20 to 30 minutes to stitch up the incision.
Unplanned or emergency Caesarean section
If complications arise during the birth that could jeapardise the safety of mother and/or baby, an emergency Caesarean section may be performed.