Caesarean birth
What happens during a caesarean birth?
Your baby is born through a cut in the lower abdomen and womb, usually with a spinal anaesthetic so you are awake.
A caesarean may be planned or become necessary during labour. You will usually have a spinal or epidural, a drip and a catheter. The birth itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes and the stitching a little longer.
Recovery takes longer than a vaginal birth: expect help with moving, pain medicine, early walking to prevent clots, and around six weeks before you feel back to normal.
What you can do
- Ask why a caesarean is recommended and what the alternatives are
- Ask about pain relief and skin-to-skin contact
- Move and walk early after surgery, with help
When to seek care
- Wound becoming red, hot, swollen or leaking
- Fever, heavy bleeding or foul-smelling discharge
- Calf pain, chest pain or shortness of breath
Fever, a leaking wound, heavy bleeding or breathlessness after a caesarean needs urgent assessment.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.