Does an obstetrician perform a caesarean section?

A caesarean section is an operation to deliver a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. The obstetrician carries out the surgical birth and coordinates decisions about timing and method. The anaesthetist provides and monitors anaesthesia, while midwives and theatre staff support you and the baby. A paediatric or newborn clinician may attend when the pregnancy or baby's condition calls for extra support. The team checks your medical history, explains consent, and discusses recovery before the operation when circumstances allow.

Tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous operations, and any experience with anaesthesia. Ask what anaesthetic is planned, who can accompany you, and how feeding and skin-to-skin contact will be handled. Follow instructions about eating, drinking, and medicines from your maternity unit. Afterward, keep the incision clean as advised, take prescribed pain relief, and attend the planned review.

Before birth, contact maternity services urgently for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fluid loss, regular contractions, or reduced fetal movement. After a caesarean, seek prompt medical advice for fever, worsening abdominal or wound pain, spreading redness, pus, heavy bleeding, chest pain, breathlessness, or a painful swollen leg. Emergency symptoms need immediate care.

Ask: Why is a caesarean recommended? Is it planned or urgent? What anaesthetic will I receive? What should I expect during recovery? Which symptoms should make me contact the hospital?