Caesarean section

A caesarean section is an operation to help deliver your pēpi. It can be a planned (elective) caesarean section or an emergency caesarean section. An emergency caesarean is done when a vaginal birth is not possible or safe.

If you have had a caesarean section, you will need to decide how to give birth next time. You can choose between a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) or an elective repeat caesarean section (ERCS).

A planned or elective caesarean section is when your operation is planned before labour. This is when your doctor or midwife thinks that labour is dangerous for you or your pēpi (baby).