Planned or scheduled cesarean births
What is a planned or scheduled C section?
A cesarean section is an operation to give birth to your baby. In a cesarean delivery, the baby will be delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Cesarean births (C-section) are planned in advance and scheduled by your provider (scheduled cesarean section) or recommended as an emergency procedure if your health care provider determines that the health of you or your baby is at risk.
If you plan to have a Cesarean birth (C-section), be sure to talk to your health care provider to decide what is right for you. Consider creating a birth plan that details your preferences and needs, and share your plan with your provider, who can prepare the mother baby care team.
Why have a planned cesarean birth?
While c-sections are typically not recommended unless necessary, there are situations where a planned cesarean section is recommended. In many cases, having a scheduled c-section is a decision that is recommended by your provider for the health and safety of both you and your baby. Your provider may advise a scheduled C-section based on medical history, current pregnancy complications, or specific risk factors.
Common reasons your provider may recommend a planned C-section over vaginal birth include:
- Previous cesarean deliveries – a provider may recommend a c-section if you have already had multiple c-sections
- Baby’s position – If your baby is in a breech (bottom-first) or transverse (sideways) position and cannot be turned, a C-section may be the safest option.
- Placenta previa – the placenta is either partially or completely covering the cervix
- Multiple births – Carrying twins or more can increase the likelihood of needing a C-section, depending on their position and shared placenta.
- Fetal or maternal health conditions – Conditions such as fetal growth restriction, heart disease, preeclampsia, or infections may make cesarean delivery safer.
- Obstructed labor or cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) – If your baby’s size or position makes vaginal delivery difficult or impossible, a planned C-section may be necessary.
- Every birth is unique. Your provider will help you understand your options and recommend a delivery plan tailored to your medical needs and personal preferences.
What to expect
How to prepare for a scheduled cesarean section?
Your provider will discuss any tests needed and the risks associated with the surgery prior to your scheduled cesarean. The timing of your cesarean birth will depend on the reason for the c-section, and your provider will discuss this with you.
Make sure to pack your hospital bag in advance. Even if you have a date set well ahead of time, it’s a good idea to start planning what you’ll need to minimize stress as the day approaches. Learn about when and what to pack in your hospital bag.
What happens during a cesarean birth?
In a Cesarean birth, the baby is born through an incision (surgical cut) in your abdomen. The surgery takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and the baby is born five to 10 minutes after the surgery begins. The rest of the time is needed to remove the placenta and repair the incision.
Planned vs. unplanned or emergency cesarean
You may have a planned Cesarean birth. This means that you and your health care provider know before your labor begins that this is the way your baby will be born.
You may have an unplanned Cesarean delivery. Most unplanned c-sections happen during labor, and may be recommended due to labor progress, the well being of the baby, or your own health. A decision for an unplanned C-section can occur over several hours or can happen quickly.
Learn more about Cesarean births.
Recovering from cesarean section
Recovery from a cesarean birth will take slightly longer than a vaginal birth. In addition to being a new parent, you are recovering from major surgery. It’s important to have a support system that will be able to help with daily activities while you recover.
Learn about what to expect if you had a Cesarean birth.