Can i have elective cesarean

Signs of distress in the baby. These signs may include a very fast or slow heart rate. Why would a C-section be planned for personal reasons? Some women have personal reasons for wanting a C-section. They may worry that their pain won't be controlled. They may be concerned that labor will cause pelvic floor problems, such as incontinence. They may worry about vaginal tearing during delivery. They want to be sure that their own doctor delivers the baby, rather than an on-call doctor.

They may feel shy or embarrassed about people seeing them giving birth. It's important to talk openly and honestly with your doctor about your wishes and concerns. What are the risks of a C-section? The risks of C-section include: Infection of the incision or the uterus. Heavy blood loss. Injury to the mother or baby. Problems from the anesthesia. This is so the area is clean and clear for the cut. Before you have a caesarean section, medical staff will want to talk with you about whether you have any health problems , allergies, and bleeding or bruising problems and whether you take any medications.

Caesarean section surgery usually takes minutes. But the entire process can take a few hours, from going to the operating theatre, preparing for surgery, having the surgery, and then returning to your room in the maternity ward. Your theatre team will prepare you for surgery, which can take some time. A spinal anaesthetic is most common for planned caesarean births. An epidural is more likely to be used for an unplanned emergency caesarean birth.

You might also have a general anaesthetic if your baby needs to be born very quickly. Your tummy will be cleaned with antiseptic by the theatre team and covered with sterile cloths to lessen the chance of infection.

A plastic tube a catheter will be put into your urethra where urine comes out to keep your bladder empty. During preparation and surgery, you can probably have a support person with you, unless you need a general anaesthetic or there are serious medical problems. Your support person can sit next to you, hold your hand and be there to welcome your baby. Each person in the room has an important role in keeping you and your baby safe.

Once the anaesthetic is working properly, the doctor will make cuts in your tummy and your uterus. For more information, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has a leaflet on birth options after previous caesarean section PDF, kb. Page last reviewed: 27 June Next review due: 27 June The cut is usually made across your tummy, just below your bikini line.

Around 1 in 4 pregnant women in the UK has a caesarean birth. Why caesareans are carried out A caesarean may be recommended as a planned elective procedure or done in an emergency if it's thought a vaginal birth is too risky. Planned caesareans are usually done from the 39th week of pregnancy. A caesarean may be carried out because: your baby is in the breech position feet first and your doctor or midwife has been unable to turn them by applying gentle pressure to your tummy, or you'd prefer they did not try this you have a low-lying placenta placenta praevia you have pregnancy-related high blood pressure pre-eclampsia you have certain infections, such as a first genital herpes infection occurring late in pregnancy or untreated HIV your baby is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients — sometimes this may mean the baby needs to be delivered immediately your labour is not progressing or there's excessive vaginal bleeding If there's time to plan the procedure, your midwife or doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of a caesarean compared with a vaginal birth.

Asking for a caesarean Some women choose to have a caesarean for non-medical reasons. What happens during a caesarean Most caesareans are carried out under spinal or epidural anaesthetic.

During the procedure: a screen is placed across your body so you cannot see what's being done — the doctors and nurses will let you know what's happening a cut about 10 to 20cm long will usually be made across your lower tummy and womb so your baby can be delivered you may feel some tugging and pulling during the procedure you and your birth partner will be able to see and hold your baby as soon as they have been delivered if they're well — a baby born by emergency caesarean because of foetal distress may be taken straight to a paediatrician for resuscitation The whole operation normally takes about 40 to 50 minutes.

Error: Not a valid value. There are some important things to consider if you are planning to have a caesarean. Your doctor might recommend a planned, or elective, caesarean because it is the safest way to deliver the baby if:. Some women opt to have a caesarean for non-medical reasons - for example, so they can avoid a vaginal birth or because it is more convenient. Remember that a caesarean is major surgery which carries risks, including heavy bleeding and problems with the placenta.

It can also affect future pregnancies. You have a right to be involved in making decisions about the type of birth you will have.

If you are thinking of a planned caesarean and there is no obvious medical reason, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.

You will need to talk to your doctor and possibly to the anaesthetist before a planned caesarean to check for any possible complications. Planned caesareans are usually done at around 39 weeks.

You will need to fast before the caesarean, as with all surgery. This generally means not eating or drinking anything for 6 hours before the operation. The length of time you need to fast will vary depending on the hospital.

When you get to hospital, you will be admitted to the maternity ward. Your pubic hair may be clipped and your tummy cleaned.

You may need to wear compression stockings. You will then be prepared for the anaesthetic. The doctor will check the anaesthetic is working before the operation begins.