A caesarean section can be both planned and unplanned. In this article, you can read about the different options, how the caesarean section is performed and what to expect afterwards.

What is a caesarean section?

A caesarean section is a type of childbirth and can be planned, emergency or immediate depending on how quickly you need to get the baby out. The mother is usually awake during the C-section, which usually takes between half an hour and an hour. However, it may take longer, for example if you have had previous abdominal surgery. The time from the start of the operation until the baby is out is usually only about 10 minutes.

Once the baby is out, the obstetrician will cut the umbilical cord as a long stump, then it can be cut to the correct length by the partner or other relative if you wish. If all is well and you are awake, you will have your baby skin-to-skin on your chest straight away.

After the operation is completed, you will spend a couple of hours in the post-operative ward. In the case of a planned caesarean section, the partner and baby may be present in the post-operative ward, otherwise they will wait in the delivery room where they can lie skin-to-skin.

What kind of anesthesia do you get?

Before your caesarean section, you will have veins inserted so that the anaesthetist can give you the medicines you need. The anesthesiologist, in consultation with the obstetrician, will decide what type of anesthesia you will receive, but usually a spinal anesthesia is used. You will also have a urinary catheter.

In the operating room, anesthesiologists, obstetricians, midwives and surgical staff are available to take care of you. If there is a risk of the baby being unwell, a *pediatrician and pediatric nurse* will be present during the cesarean section. If a baby is unexpectedly unwell, they will of course be close at hand.

Planned caesarean section

For example, a planned caesarean section may be performed if the baby is breech, if the placenta is low in the uterus, or for other reasons that prevent you from giving birth vaginally. Before a planned caesarean section, you will talk to an obstetrician who will inform you about the procedure and give you the opportunity to ask questions. During a planned caesarean section, you may bring your partner or family member with you.

Acute caesarean section

An emergency caesarean section is performed during a labor that has usually started and usually takes place within an hour, or earlier if necessary. This could be because labor is not progressing, the fetus is showing signs of distress, or you have a planned cesarean section but go into labor earlier than your planned cesarean date. Most often, your partner or family member will be allowed to accompany you during the caesarean section.

Immediate caesarean section

An immediate caesarean section is performed if the baby needs to come out quickly. This may be due to complications during labor or, for example, if something seems life-threatening to the baby during pregnancy. It usually takes no longer than about 15 minutes before the baby is out. In the case of an immediate caesarean section, you will most likely be put under anesthesia, and your partner or family member will usually have to wait outside the operating room.