Caesarean Birth
A caesarean birth is when your baby is born through an incision in your abdomen and uterus. It is a common and safe way for babies to be born, and may be planned in advance or recommended during pregnancy or labour if circumstances change.
For some parents, a caesarean is expected and part of their birth plan. For others, it may feel unexpected or bring up questions about why it’s needed and what to expect.
Understanding both planned and unplanned caesarean birth, as well as the realities behind common myths, can help you feel more informed, prepared and confident in your choices.
What you’ll find here
This section includes evidence-based guidance to help you understand:
• why a caesarean may be recommended
• the difference between planned and emergency caesarean birth
• what happens before, during and after the procedure
• recovery and what to expect in the early days
• common myths and misconceptions
All resources are based on guidance from NICE, NHS and RCOG.
Resources
Download
Planned Caesarean Birth Guide
What to expect before, during and after a planned caesarean birth.
Emergency Caesarean Birth Guide
Understanding why an unplanned caesarean may be recommended and what happens in the moment.
C-section Truths
A myth-busting guide to common misconceptions about caesarean birth.