A Caesarean birth, also known as a ‘C-section,’ occurs when your doctor delivers your baby by cutting into your abdomen and uterus.
Your health-care provider may recommend this type of birth to protect your health or your baby’s health.
Why C-Sections Are Done
If your health-care provider recommends a c-section, they will schedule it before labour, typically close to your baby’s due date. Sometimes, doctors perform a c-section to ensure a quick delivery for you and your baby’s safety. Because of the risks involved, most physicians recommend against planning a c-section for convenience or to avoid the natural labour process.
Reasons that might lead you to plan a c-section (click to expand) »
- Placenta previa (where your placenta blocks your cervix)
- Breech position (where your baby’s feet or bottom face the opening of your uterus instead of the head)
- Transverse position (where your baby lies sideways in the uterus)
- If you have a disease or condition that labour may worsen, or if your baby has a known health problem, such as spina bifida.
- If you are having multiples, depending on the position and number of babies.
- If you previously had a c-section birth.
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Reasons that might lead to an unplanned c-section (click to expand) »
- If your baby shows signs of distress, your doctor and nurse will monitor the heart rate for this.
- When your baby cannot pass through the opening in your pelvis.
- If your baby moves into a position that makes vaginal birth difficult or impossible.
- If your placenta partially or completely breaks away from the wall of the uterus, causing a placental abruption that can lead to excessive bleeding and decreased oxygen supply to your baby.
- If issues with the umbilical cord reduce or cut off the blood supply to your baby.
- If your labour is difficult, slow, or not progressing, which can increase the risk of infection.
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Risks and Benefits
C-sections are common and considered safe and quick, but like any surgery or medical procedure, they come with benefits and risks. If your health-care provider suggests you need one, ask questions about why it may be beneficial and what alternatives you have.
Potential risks you may face include (click to expand) »
- Infection
- Heavy blood loss
- A blood clot in your legs or lungs
- Nausea, vomiting, and severe headache after you deliver
- Bowel problems, such as constipation
- Injury to another organ (such as the bladder) during surgery
- Maternal death (extremely rare)
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Risks your baby may face include (click to expand) »
- Injury during delivery (rare)
- Needing care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
- Immature lungs and breathing problems that might require medical support
- Potential challenges with breastfeeding
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C-Section Procedure
Most c-sections use epidural or spinal anesthesia to numb your abdominal area. Your health-care provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for your surgery.\
What to expect during a c-section (click to expand) »
- You and any support people in the operating room will need to wear scrubs.
- A curtain will be set up across your chest to block your view of the surgery.
- A nurse will place a small intravenous (IV) tube in your arm or hand and may give you a sedative through the IV to help you relax.
- A catheter will be inserted into your bladder to allow you to pass urine during and after the surgery.
- Nursing staff may shave your upper pubic area and wash your abdomen and pubic area with an antibacterial solution.
- The medical team will closely monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood oxygen level before, during, and after the procedure.
- Your doctor will check that the anesthesia is working, then make the incision through your lower abdomen and uterus. You will feel intense pressure as your doctor delivers your baby.
- After delivering your baby, your doctor will remove the placenta and close the uterus and the incision with stitches.
- After surgery, your health-care team will move you to a recovery area to care for and observe you.
- You will stay in the recovery area for one to four hours before moving to a hospital room.
- Your nurse will provide information to support your recovery, along with any specific instructions from your doctor.
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Here are tips for your birth partner (click to expand) »
- Hold your partner’s hand if you can reach it.
- Offer emotional support.
- Sit close and stroke their head or hair.
- Support their head or massage their neck.
- Wipe away their tears if they cry (which is common at any birth).
- Hold your baby skin-to-skin after birth if your partner can’t do it.
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Check out this animated educational video on c-sections:
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse for immunizations and other prenatal support.
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
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