A caesarean is a daunting prospect for many women; it’s a major operation that renders you bedbound for many days post-birth. But we’d love to put your mind at ease by explaining the various types of caesarean available and what’s involved.

You can either request a caesarean section, or it may be advised by your doctor if it benefits your own or your baby’s health.

A caesarean section is an operation to deliver your baby by means of a cut in the abdomen. The cut is usually made across your bikini line. In most Western countries, the caesarean rate has risen to 20 percent, and around a quarter of all babies in the UK are now delivered by caesarean.

Types of caesarean

Emergency Caesarean

Caesareans are either planned or emergency procedures. The doctor will examine the level of urgency with a grading scheme:

Category 1 Caesarean: This is carried out when there is an immediate threat to the mother and baby’s lives. For example, if the baby isn’t getting oxygen and is showing signs of distress. If this is the case, hospital staff will carry out a Caesarean within 30 minutes.

Category 2 Caesarean: This is carried out if there is a concern about the wellbeing of the mother or baby but not a threat to life. For example, if there is concern about the baby’s heart rate, a vaginal birth is unlikely to happen in a short enough time for it to be safe for the baby.

Category 3 Caesarean: This is carried out when there is no immediate concern for the wellbeing of the mother or baby but is usually advised because of a condition in the mother or baby. A Grade 3 Caesarean can be advised because of a failed induction of labour.

Planned or Elective Caesarean (Category 4)

Approximately one-third of caesareans are elective, or Category 4, procedures. The reasons for an elective caesarean include:

A breech baby.

A larger-than-average baby.

An injury during a previous birth.

You’ve had a previous caesarean or an operation on the uterus.

The placenta is lying low.

Pelvic abnormalities.

Maternal choice.

A vaginal birth may still be attempted despite the above reasons, but with the right precautions.

Giving your consent

Your doctor should always ask for your consent before giving you a caesarean. And he or she should explain the exact reasons why the procedure is being carried out and any associated risks. Ideally, you are given plenty of time to think about whether a caesarean is the right option for you, which, of course, is difficult in the case of an emergency caesarean. Even so, you are still well within your rights to refuse a caesarean, even if you and the baby are at risk.

Meeting the anaesthetist

Before the operation, you will meet your anaesthetist, who will give you your anaesthetic. They will give you an injection of medication into the spinal fluid in your back, which numbs out any sensation of pain. If you’ve already had an epidural early on in your labour, then this will be used as pain relief. After the injection, your anaesthetist will check if it’s working.

In part two, we will go on to explain what you will likely experience during a caesarean section operation.

What do I need to know about having a C-section? (Part 1)

On Unii’s Giving Birth Journey, we explore surgically assisting delivery.