Having a caesarean birth
A caesarean is a major surgery during which your baby is born through a surgical cut made in your stomach (abdomen).
This cut is usually made just above the pubic bone (the forward-facing bone in the center of the pelvis) in the lower part of the stomach.
A horizontal cut is first made through skin and fat. Layers of muscle layers are then moved aside, and the lining of the stomach (peritoneum) is opened to access your womb (uterus).
A cut is then made through the lower part of the uterus to allow your baby to be born – this is known as a lower uterine segment caesarean section.
Less frequently, this incision is made in the upper segment of the uterus – this is known as a classical caesarean section.
Cutting through the lower segment is preferred because:
- the tissue heals more strongly and bleeds less than the upper segment
- if you became pregnant again following a lower segment caesarean section, a vaginal birth may be possible.
A vaginal birth is not recommended following a classical caesarean section and another caesarean section would be performed.
Your doctor and/or anaesthetist will discuss additional risks from the anaesthetic and the caesarean surgery with you.
If you wish to discuss these further ask your midwife to arrange for the doctor or anaesthetist to visit you while in hospital.
An elective caesarean is when it is decided during your pregnancy care that a planned caesarean will be the safest option for giving birth.
A non-elective caesarean is when the decision to perform a caesarean is made during labour.
Learn more about a caesarean birth
Preparing for a booked caesarean birth
Sometimes it is decided during your pregnancy care that a planned caesarean will be your safest option for giving birth.
You will receive a letter from Fiona Stanley Hospital with your surgery date and other general information.
If you do not receive this letter, please contact Elective Waitlist Service on 6152 4015 between 8.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Read more below about how to prepare or information for your caesarean support person.
You are also required to attend a pre-admission clinic.
If you have not been given an appointment for this clinic, please discuss with your midwife/doctor.
Blood tests
You will be given a form to have a ‘group and hold’ blood test in the week before your surgery. This is a regular test for patients undergoing planned surgery and determines your blood group in case you need a blood transfusion.
It is important you do this blood test at the Fiona Stanley Hospital Pathwest collection centre 1 to 7 days before your booked surgery.
If you are unable to go to the Fiona Stanley Hospital Pathwest collection centre for this test, please discuss this with your midwife or doctor.
Other blood tests may also be required depending on your circumstances.
To reduce the risk of wound infection after your surgery:
- Do not shave, wax or use hair removal cream prior to your caesarean surgery.
- Shower in the morning using the preoperative wash provided by your midwife. Do not apply talcum powder after your shower.
- Remove all jewellery, including piercings in your nose, tongue, navel or other areas. You may keep your wedding ring on if you wish as this can be taped down during your procedure.
- Remove all false nails and nail polish.
Please bring minimal personal belongings with you as you will be admitted to hospital through our Day Surgery Admission Unit. Once you have been allocated a bed your family can bring the remainder of your belongings.
Please note your support person who accompanies you to theatre must wear closed in footwear for safety reasons.
Fasting advice
Before your booked caesarean surgery you will need to fast.
It is important to follow these fasting instructions to keep you safe and prevent your surgery being delayed.
For all procedures, avoid drinking alcohol the night before your surgery.
For morning surgery:
- Do not eat food, including eating lollies or chewing gum, after midnight.
- Between midnight and 6.00 am you may drink clear fluids only.
- After 6.00am, do not eat food or drink fluids.
- if you do not fast correctly your surgery may be delayed.
For an afternoon surgery:
- Do not eat food, including eating lollies or chewing gum, after 6.00am
- Between midnight and 11.00am you may drink clear fluids only.
- After 11.00am do not eat food or drink fluids.
Coming to hospital
Please enter the main hospital building at reception and take the orange lifts to the first floor. As you exit the lift you will see the Day Surgery Admission Unit directly in front of you. See the hospital map (PDF 1MB).
When you are admitted you will be given a name band which you must wear throughout your stay. Please check your details on the band as soon as receive it and tell us immediately if any details are incorrect.