A Caesarean Section (also referred to as a C-Section) is a common procedure which allows a doctor to deliver a baby through an incision in the abdomen. This method is typically chosen where there is a risk to the mother or baby of a vaginal delivery. In some cases, the mother may have elected to undergo a C-Section instead of a vaginal delivery due to preference.
The operation usually takes around one hour and may involve a spinal-block (which prevents all pain below the location of the block) or a general anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist should explain the options and recommended approach to you. The surgeon will make an incision across the abdomen of approximately 10 – 20cm, and then another cut across the womb which contains the baby. The baby will then be carefully lifted from the womb and handed to you. You will then be given an injection a hormone which will allow the womb to contract. Following the procedure, your wounds will be sutured and covered to prevent infection.
