If you’re pregnant and thinking about your birth plan, you may be interested to find out more about caesarean sections. Whether you’re considering asking for a caesarean or want to be prepared if you need one in an emergency, you need to know several pieces of information.

Here, we take a look at what a caesarean is, what happens during the procedure, the risks and what to do if something goes wrong.

What is a caesarean?

According to the NHS, a caesarean section is “an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb”. Around 25% of women in the UK give birth via caesarean, and they can either be planned or done in an emergency.

There are various reasons that a caesarean may be suggested for you during childbirth. For instance, if your baby is in a breech position, you have high blood pressure, your placenta is low-lying, you have an infection, or there is another health concern.

What happens during a caesarean section?

Before a caesarean procedure, you may be asked to cleanse with an antiseptic soap and stop eating and drinking for several hours. Your bladder will be cleansed and emptied of urine using a tube called a catheter. Unless you need a general anaesthetic, you’ll be given a regional anaesthetic – which numbs the lower part of your body.

You’ll be awake during the procedure, but a screen will be placed across your abdomen so you won’t see what’s going on. Your doctor will usually make an incision horizontally around the bikini line, but a vertical cut may be necessary in some cases.

Your beautiful new baby will then be delivered through the opening and you’ll usually be able to see and hold them straight away. You’ll have stitches to close your womb and be moved to a recovery room.

What are the risks associated with a caesarean?

A caesarean is a major operation and therefore carries various risks for you and your baby.

While it is generally considered a safe procedure, Mayoclinic explains the various risks to mothers, including developing an infection, heavy bleeding, reaction to anaesthesia,  blood clots, surgical injuries and uterine ruptures.

There are also risks to your baby, for example being accidentally cut during surgery and breathing problems. Severe oxygen deprivation during birth can lead to conditions such as cerebral palsy, while damage to the neck and shoulders can cause Erb’s palsy.

What happens if something goes wrong?

You may wonder what to do if you or your baby suffers a serious injury or illness during a caesarean. If the injuries were avoidable due to a professional failing in their duty of care to you, it may constitute medical negligence.

This could be due to a significant error, a delay in your treatment or a professional not doing something – and their failing is what caused the injury.

If this happens to you, remember that you’re not alone. It may be worth reaching out to a medical negligence professional to see if you are eligible to make a compensation claim.

If you are interested in having a C-section or want advice on whether it’s right for you, it’s essential to speak to your doctor or other medical professional.