Before the Operation

If your caesarean is planned, you'll be given a date and asked to attend a hospital appointment the week before. On the day, you'll change into a hospital gown, and will have stopped eating and drinking a few hours beforehand as advised. A thin tube (catheter) is inserted to empty your bladder during the procedure, and you may be given medicines beforehand such as antibiotics or something to reduce stomach acidity.

A caesarean is a major operation, usually carried out under an epidural or spinal anaesthetic, which numbs the lower half of your body while you stay awake — a general anaesthetic is used occasionally instead. You'll also usually be offered treatment to help prevent blood clots, such as compression stockings or injections.

After Delivery

Once your baby is born, you'll be supported with anything you need, including help with breastfeeding if you'd like it, and food and water as soon as you feel ready for them.

In Hospital

Most women stay in hospital for one or two days after a caesarean. You'll need someone to drive you home, since you won't be able to drive yourself for a few weeks, and your midwife will explain how to look after your wound.

At Home

Some discomfort in the first few days is normal, and can last several weeks for some women, so it's worth keeping up with regular painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (avoiding aspirin if you're breastfeeding). Non-dissolvable stitches or staples are usually removed by a midwife after 5 to 7 days.

The wound will gradually heal into a scar, typically a horizontal line around 10 to 20cm long just below the bikini line, though occasionally it runs vertically below the belly button instead. Taking things easy for several weeks afterwards helps recovery.

Possible Complications

A caesarean is generally very safe, but as with any surgery there's a risk of complications — how likely this is depends partly on whether the procedure was planned or an emergency, and your general health. If there's time to plan ahead, your doctor or midwife will talk through the risks and benefits with you.

Common risks include infection at the wound site (redness, swelling, increasing pain or discharge) or infection of the womb lining (fever, tummy pain, unusual discharge or heavy bleeding). Less commonly, there can be excessive bleeding — occasionally needing a transfusion or further surgery — or, rarely, a blood clot such as DVT.

Having a caesarean can also slightly increase certain risks in future pregnancies, such as the placenta attaching abnormally to the womb wall, making it worth discussing any concerns with your doctor. If your baby seems to have breathing difficulties after you've left hospital, see a GP or call NHS 111 straight away.