What Happens During a Caesarean Birth?
Whether your caesarean is planned or comes as a surprise during labour, knowing what happens during a caesarean can help ease a lot of the unknowns. I want you to feel informed, calm, and confident, whatever path your birth takes.
So, if you’re wondering what actually goes on in the operating theatre, who’ll be there with you, and what to expect afterwards—this is the blog for you.
First of all, what is a caesarean?
A caesarean birth (or C-section) is when your baby is born through a cut made in your tummy and womb. It can be planned (elective), or unplanned (emergency), depending on how your pregnancy or labour progresses.
Around 1 in 4 births in the UK are caesareans, and they’re a very normal and safe part of modern maternity care.
Who will be there during a caesarean birth?
Quite a few friendly faces—but each has a key role to play. Typically, the room will include:
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You (obvs!)
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Your birth partner – usually sitting by your head
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Obstetrician(s) – the doctors performing the surgery
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Anaesthetist – responsible for your pain relief and comfort
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Scrub nurse – assists with the instruments
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Midwife – looks after you and your baby during and after birth
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Theatre assistants – supporting the team
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Sometimes, a paediatrician – especially if baby may need a bit of extra help
It might seem like a lot of people, but the environment is usually calm, organised and often surprisingly chatty and warm.
What happens before the caesarean starts?
Let’s walk through what usually happens before baby arrives:
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Getting to theatre. You’ll be brought in and settled on the operating table.
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Anaesthetic. Most caesareans are done with a spinal block, which numbs your lower body but allows you to be awake and aware.
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Prep time. A screen goes up (so you don’t see the surgery), your tummy is cleaned, and you’ll be fitted with a catheter.
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The surgery begins and baby is usually born within the first few minutes.
The team will talk you through everything step by step. You might feel some pressure or movement, but no pain.
What happens during a caesarean birth?
Here’s what happens during a caesarean:
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A small cut (usually horizontal, low on your tummy) is made through the skin and womb.
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Your baby is gently guided out – this part might feel like tugging or pressure. Many women report that it feels like someone is doing the washing up in your tummy.
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Once baby is born, the cord is cut and they’re quickly checked over by the midwife or paediatrician.
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If all’s well, your baby can be brought to you for cuddles and skin-to-skin – generally while you’re still being stitched up.
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The surgeon then carefully closes the womb and tummy with dissolvable stitches (or sometimes staples).
Many hospitals now offer “gentle caesareans,”
Your caesarean can still be a personalised experience with many hospitals encouraging you to choose your own music, offering you dim lights, immediate skin to skin, delayed cord clamping
where you can play music, have a slower delivery, and create a more personalised experience – speak with your midwife about this.
What happens straight after birth?
After baby arrives:
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You’ll be taken to a recovery area where you’ll be monitored.
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This is a great time for skin-to-skin contact, bonding and that very first feed (if you’re planning to breastfeed).
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You’ll be offered pain relief, fluids, and help with positioning baby for cuddles.
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Your midwife will keep a close eye on bleeding, your wound, and how you’re feeling.
- Baby may also have extra checks by your midwife.
Feeling cold or shaky afterwards is normal. It’s a combination of hormones, medication, and the operating theatre environment. Warm blankets and lots of reassurance will be on hand.
What happens in the hours and days after a caesarean?
Recovery from a caesarean takes time. It is major abdominal surgery after all. Here’s what to expect:
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You’ll usually stay in hospital for 1–2 days.
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You’ll be encouraged to start moving gently as soon as possible to help your recovery.
- Your spinal wears off usually within 2-4 hours.
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A midwife will show you how to care for your wound and support your tummy when getting in and out of bed.
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Pain relief will be given regularly – don’t be afraid to ask for it.
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At home, give yourself time, accept help, and go slow.
- I always recommend drinking peppermint tea to help with wind pain from surgery. It is recommended to have this in moderation if you are breastfeeding.
You did something incredible. Let yourself heal and be cared for too.
