Understanding Types of Emergency Caesarean: Category 1, 2 & 3 Explained

Understanding emergency caesareans may not be on your pregnancy reading list. But. When you’re expecting a baby, there’s so much to think about. From nursery decorating to baby names and I would arguable most importantly – birth preferences. One thing that can sometimes feel a little confusing (and even a bit scary) is the idea of an emergency caesarean. Especially when people start throwing around terms like “I had a Category 1 c-section”. I truly believe knowledge is power. So, reading up a little on emergency / unplanned caesareans can help you feel a little less out of control if your birth does deviate from the plan.

So, let’s break it down in a simple, no-stress way. Knowing what these categories actually mean can help you feel a bit more prepared just in case your birth journey takes a slightly different route than planned.

What is an Emergency Caesarean?

An emergency caesarean is when your baby needs to be born sooner than expected, and via surgery rather than vaginal birth. It’s different from a planned or elective caesarean (where you know ahead of time that you’ll be having one).

But even emergency caesareans come in different levels of urgency—this is where the categories come in. NHS guidelines group them into Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3, depending on how quickly your baby needs to be born.

Category 1 – “Right now!”

This is the most urgent type. A Category 1 caesarean is done when there’s an immediate risk to you or your baby’s health. Think of it as the medical team hitting the fast-forward button.

What it means:

• There may be issues like the baby’s heart rate dropping significantly, or heavy bleeding.

• The goal is to deliver your baby as quickly and safely as possible – usually within 30 minutes of the decision.

• Things may move very quickly. From being wheeled to theatre, to having a spinal or general anaesthetic, to meeting your baby.

Don’t worry—this might sound dramatic, but it’s done with your and your baby’s safety as the absolute top priority.

Category 2 – “Let’s move things along”

This is still considered an emergency, but there isn’t an immediate threat. A Category 2 caesarean (the most common type of emergency caesarean) is often needed when labour isn’t progressing, or if baby seems a bit unhappy (but not in a critical way).

What it means:

• Your medical team has spotted something that suggests it’s better for baby to be born soon.

• You’ll usually have a little more time to prep, maybe talk through things. Your birth partner will get into scrubs to come with you.

• Still prompt, but less of a mad dash than Category 1.

Category 3 – “It’s not urgent, but we shouldn’t wait too long”

This one is a bit more chilled. A Category 3 caesarean is planned during your labour. It’s not classed as an emergency in the sense that things are stable for now—but it’s clear that a vaginal birth might not be the best or safest option anymore.

What it means:

• Your care team might decide on a caesarean because labour isn’t progressing or your baby is in an awkward position.

• You’ll have time to ask questions, prepare mentally, and even enjoy a more ‘gentle’ caesarean if that’s part of your birth preferences.

It’s still a change of plan—but one that’s made with lots of thought and care, and often with some time to prepare.

So, what should you take away from all this?

• Emergency doesn’t always mean danger. It can just mean a change of plan based on what’s best for you and baby at that moment.

• You won’t be alone. Your midwives, doctors and birth partner will all be there to support you, whatever happens.

• It’s OK to feel emotional about it. Unexpected changes to your birth plan can bring up big feelings—and that’s totally valid.

• Do your hypnobirthing. The Birth Chapter gives you tools and techniques for all types of birth and will help you remain calm and in control even if your birth deviates from the plan.

Whether you’re dreaming of a water birth or already planning a caesarean, the truth is that birth can be unpredictable—and that’s OK. Understanding the different types of emergency caesareans can help you feel more confident, more informed, and a bit less panicked if a caesarean birth is suggested as the safest option for you and baby.

To read more about caesarean births, take a look at our blog What Happens During a Caesarean Birth?