Elective caesarean section

What is an elective caesarean section?

A caesarean section (Opens in new tab) is a procedure to deliver a baby by a surgical procedure. Elective means that it is planned (Opens in new tab) before you go into labour.

Why do I need a caesarean section?

The following are the more common reasons why a caesarean section may be recommended:

Your baby is positioned in a way other than head down.
Your baby is not growing properly or is distressed.
The placenta (Opens in new tab) is lying in front of your baby and either completely or partly over your cervix, preventing a vaginal birth.
You have had a caesarean section before.
You have a multiple pregnancy.
You have a particular complication (Opens in new tab) of pregnancy.
The placenta has become too firmly attached to your womb (uterus (Opens in new tab)) so it will not separate naturally.
You have medical problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

In your case a caesarean section is the safest method of delivery for both you and your baby.

Are there any alternatives?

The alternatives are normal labour or induced labour (where medication is used to get labour started) followed by a vaginal delivery.

What does the procedure involve?

Almost all caesarean sections are performed under regional anaesthesia (either a spinal or epidural (Opens in new tab) anaesthetic). This means you will be awake so you can see your baby.

The procedure usually takes less than an hour.

Your obstetrician (Opens in new tab) will make a low horizontal cut on your 'bikini' line. They will separate the muscles of your abdominal wall and open your uterus (womb). Your obstetrician will deliver your baby through the cut.

After the delivery, they will repair your uterus and abdomen.

A midwife (Opens in new tab) will be with you throughout the procedure and a paediatrician (Opens in new tab) may also attend to your baby when it is born.

What complications can happen?

The healthcare team are trained to reduce the risk of complications.

Any risk rates given are taken from studies of people who have had this procedure. Your doctor may be able to tell you if the risk of a complication is higher or lower for you. Some risks are higher if you are older, obese, have other health problems or you smoke. Health problems include diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.

Possible complications of this procedure are shown below. Some can be serious and may even cause death.

General complications of any procedure

Bleeding during or after the procedure. If you bleed heavily, you may need a blood transfusion.
Infection of the surgical site (wound).
Allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication.
Developing a hernia in the scar.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE). This is a blood clot in your leg (deep-vein thrombosis – DVT) or one that has moved to your lung (pulmonary embolus).
Chest infection. Your risk will be lower if you have stopped smoking and you are free of COVID-19 (coronavirus) symptoms for at least 7 weeks before the procedure.

Specific complications of this procedure

Infection in your uterus (endometritis).
Bladder damage, as your bladder lies close to your uterus and has to be moved out of the way. The risk is higher if you have had previous caesarean sections caused by scarring at the point where your bladder attaches to your uterus.
Heavy bleeding. Your obstetrician may need to remove your uterus.
Small scratch on your baby's skin, when your obstetrician makes the cut on your uterus. Sometimes the scratch can be on your baby's face.
Breathing difficulties for your baby (transient tachypnoea), where your baby takes longer than normal to clear the fluid from their lungs.
Effect on future fertility or pregnancy. A caesarean section can cause scarring in the lining or outside of your uterus and fallopian tubes.

Consequences of this procedure

pain
scarring of your skin, which can be unsightly

What happens after the procedure?

You will be able to go home when the healthcare team feels you are medically fit enough, which is usually after 1 to 3 days.

Your obstetrician and the healthcare team will tell you when you can return to normal activities.

Bleeding usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.

Do not lift anything heavy or do strenuous exercise for 6 weeks. Do not push, pull or carry anything heavier than your baby during this time.

Most women take at least 3 months to recover from the procedure.

Summary

A caesarean section is a common procedure and is usually a safe method of delivery for you and your baby.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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Last reviewed: January 2026