Preparing for your Caesarean section

If you and your healthcare provider have decided that a Caesarean birth is the safest way to deliver your baby, the information in the link below will help you prepare for your delivery.

Preparing for your Caesarean Section

You will be seen in the Birth Unit by a Registered Nurse the day before your booked Caesarean section to have pre-operative blood work done and provided with teaching on the important information for the following day such as when to arrive at the hospital and when to stop eating and drinking before your surgery. Special antiseptic sponges that help remove oil, dirt and bacteria from your skin and reduces your risk of developing an infection are available in the QCH Gift Shop for your shower or bath before you come to hospital. The Nurse will discuss how you need to prepare for your C-section during this visit

Meeting with a Registered Nurse will also give you a chance to ask any questions you may have and give staff time to address any concerns.

Vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC)

If you have had to deliver your baby by a Caesarean section in the past, it does not necessarily mean that you will need to have another Caesarean section for your next pregnancy. About 60-80% of women who had a Caesarean birth before will now be able to have a vaginal birth. Talk to you healthcare provider if a VBAC is part of your Birth Plan and to make sure you will be able to safely deliver your baby vaginally.

There is more information available through the Power to Push Booklet.