Planned Caesarean Section
A planned C-Section may be advised during your pregnancy due to pre-existing medical reason or complications in your pregnancy. A C-Section is major surgery so we will only recommend it when it is the safest option for you, your baby or both of you.
If you have had one C-Section before your midwife will make you an appointment in our Choices After Caesarean Clinic where you can see a senior midwife and discuss the options of planned C-Section and Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC). Even if you have an idea about your preferred option this time, it is important to attend to find out the information you need to make an informed choice.
If you are thinking of having a Planned C-section, without a pre-existing medical reason, please talk to your midwife or obstetrician as early in the pregnancy as possible. Our experienced staff will listen to your wishes, be able to answer any questions you have and provide you with the information and support you need to make an informed decision. A useful link to refer to can also be found here: RCOG choosing to have a caesarean section.
Caesarean Section Date
Our hospital provides planned Caesarean Sections to may women on different days throughout the week. Sometimes you may need more time allocated to your caesarean section due to more complex requirements. Sometimes your clinical situation might change and your Caesarean date needs to be moved to deliver your baby earlier.
Depending on you clinical/personal situation you may be given a date for your planned Caesarean Section during an antenatal clinic appointment with your obstetrician. Sometimes we are only able to give you a Caesarean date a week or two before you are due to have your Caesarean. If you are due to have your Caesarean Section in the next week and have not heard about a date for your section please contact your midwife so she can chase this up for you.
We also ask that you remain flexible with this date and there can be occasions when we are unable to carry out your Caesarean Section on the date intended and need to move your planned Caesarean Section to a different day. Your maternity records are always reviewed by a Multi-Disciplinary Team to determine if this is clinically appropriate and you will always be contacted and spoken to by a member of our team. If you have any concerns about this please speak to our midwives and doctors about this.
