Caesarean delivery Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.
Answers to questions about caesarean delivery
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Can my birthing partner be with me while I'm having a caesarean?
- If I get pregnant again, will I have to have another caesarean delivery?
- How long will I have to wait after a caesarean delivery before I can have another baby?
- Is there a limit to the number of caesarean deliveries I can have?
- Can I drive after having a caesarean?
Can my birthing partner be with me while I'm having a caesarean?
Yes, it's very likely that your partner will be able to stay with you during the operation if you both want him or her to be present.
Explanation
If you have an epidural or a spinal block, your partner is likely to be able to stay with you in the operating theatre while the caesarean is taking place. Usually a screen will be placed over your chest so that you can't see what is happening while the surgeon is operating. Once the baby has been delivered, you will probably both be able to see and hold your child straight away.
If you need to have a general anaesthetic, your partner may still be able to be with you while the operation is taking place. However, this won't always be possible.
Sources
- McGrail A, Metland D. Expecting. Everything you need to know about pregnancy, labour and birth. 1st ed. Virago: London, 2004
If I get pregnant again, will I have to have another caesarean delivery?
No, not necessarily. Most women are able to give birth vaginally after a caesarean.
Explanation
There are many reasons why you may have a caesarean delivery and this may influence the likelihood of you needing another one with a subsequent pregnancy. If you had to have a caesarean because your baby was too big for a vaginal delivery to be possible, then your midwife or doctor may advise you to have another caesarean.
If you give birth vaginally after having had a caesarean delivery, this is known as a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean). It's not known whether the benefits outweigh the risks of aiming for a VBAC rather than having a planned caesarean. There are a number of advantages of having a vaginal birth including:
- a lower risk of developing a blood clot
- less chance of your bladder being damaged
- a lower risk of needing to have a hysterectomy (the removal of your womb)
- a shorter stay in hospital and reduced recovery time
However, there are also risks associated with vaginal birth. These include the following.
- There is a slightly increased risk of your baby dying during delivery. However, this risk is still extremely small.
- Uterine rupture is a very rare complication. This is when the scar on your womb from your caesarean tears. This is slightly more likely to happen with a VBAC than with a planned caesarean delivery.
Ask your midwife or doctor for more information about having a VBAC.
Sources
- Greer I. Pregnancy. The Inside Guide. 1st ed. Collins: London, 2003
- Caesarean section. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2004. www.nice.org.uk, accessed 16 November 2007
How long will I have to wait after a caesarean delivery before I can have another baby?
It's advisable to wait at least six months to a year before having another baby after a caesarean, but it seems that the longer you wait the better.
Explanation
The scar on your womb will take about six weeks to heal, although all women will heal at different rates. There is evidence that the scar becomes stronger as time goes on. This means that the longer you wait, the less chance there is of you having a uterine rupture with a future pregnancy, although this risk is still very small. There is evidence to show that becoming pregnant less than two years after having a caesarean may increase your risk of uterine rupture by two to three times compared to if you become pregnant more than two years afterwards.
You may also find that it takes a while before you feel ready to have sexual intercourse after giving birth. You may have pain or discomfort from your wound for weeks to months afterwards.
Speak to your midwife or doctor for more information about how long to wait before having another baby.
Source
- Primary Care Question Answering Service. www.clinicalanswers.nhs.uk, accessed 16 November 2007
Is there a limit to the number of caesarean deliveries I can have?
No, this will depend on how many children you want to have. However, you will be more at risk of certain complications if you have had one or more caesarean deliveries.
Explanation
There is a greater risk of complications because having a caesarean leaves a scar on your womb and the other tissues inside your abdomen. It's important that you are aware of possible problems that may happen if you need another caesarean delivery. These are rare but include:
- placenta praevia - this means the placenta is attached on or near your cervix (the neck of your womb)
- placenta accreta - this is when the placenta grows through the wall of your womb and into its muscular layer
These conditions put you at an increased risk of further complications during childbirth.
If you have had a caesarean delivery, you are at a slightly increased risk of having a stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies.
Your midwife or doctor can give you more information about having repeated caesarean deliveries.
Sources
- How many caesarean sections can you have? NHS Direct. www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk, accessed 16 November 2007
- Caesarean section. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2004. www.nice.org.uk, accessed 4 December 2007
Can I drive after having a caesarean?
Yes, you can, but you are unlikely to feel well enough to drive straight away.
Explanation
There is no specific time that you must wait after having a caesarean delivery before you can drive. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that you should consult with your doctor as to when it's safe to start driving again after surgery.
You are likely to have pain and discomfort for some weeks after the operation. You may find that wearing a seat belt puts pressure on your wound. It's best not to drive until you are confident that any tenderness or soreness won't distract you while you are driving, or prevent you from stopping in an emergency. You will probably be advised to wait four to six weeks.
If you are in any doubt about driving, follow your doctor's advice and contact your motor insurer so that you are aware of their recommendations.
Sources
- At a glance guide to the current medical standards. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. www.dvla.gov.uk, accessed 9 January 2008
- Primary Care Question Answering Service. www.clinicalanswers.nhs.uk, accessed 16 November 2007
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: April 2009
Caesarean delivery factsheet
Visit the caesarean delivery health factsheet for more information.
Rate this page
