Planned (elective) caesarean section

If you go into labour before your caesarean section, follow your midwife or doctor's instructions.

Blood tests

Blood tests are done the day before your caesarean section or Saturday if your caesarean is on a Monday. You will receive forms by email after your preadmission appointment. Contact your LMC f you have any questions about your blood test.

Your caesarean section will be delayed if this is not done before the day of your operation.

Medicine and tablets

Take any prescribed medicine on the day of your caesarean section with a sip of water unless your midwife or doctor have given you different instructions.

When you arrive at hospital you will be given an Omeprazole 20mg tablet to take with a sip of water. Omeprazole is given to reduce the acidity of your stomach. It is important that you arrive on time to have this medication so your surgery is not delayed.

Diabetes management

If you are diabetic, follow the instructions about fasting and insulin doses from your diabetes midwife.

On the day of your operation.

• Have a bath or shower and wash your hair the morning of your operation.
• Remove any makeup, nail polish or jewellery before coming to hospital. These can interfere with your anaesthetic monitoring.
• Leave all valuable at home.

Things to bring to hospital

It is a good idea to prepare a bag for you and your baby for when you are in hospital.

For you.

• Medicines, inhalers, creams.
• Nightwear or loose clothing to make breastfeeding convenient.
• Day clothes.
• Nursing pads and bra.
• Underwear.
• Maternity pads.
• Toiletries.
• Pen.

For your baby

• Harvested colostrum if available. Talk to your midwife or doctor about how to obtain this.
• If you are formula feeding, bring a sterile bottle and teat with 50mls of cooled boiled water in it. You will need to bring your own tin of formula and equipment needed for sterilising.
• Clothes for baby during your stay in hospital and to take baby home in.
• Nappies of your choice
• Blanket that is made out of breathable material such as wool or cotton (not polar fleece).
• Car seat to take baby home in (leave in the car)
• Chilly bin if you are taking placenta home.

Make sure you allow enough time to arrive on time for your caesarean section.

Your surgeon, anaesthetist, midwife and nurse will see you before your operation. You will have an opportunity ask questions before your caesarean section.

The time of your caesarean section can be affected by other emergency cases. You will be contacted if your operation is delayed.

Your midwife, doctor or obstetric team will assess you before you are ready to go home. Once they have done their checks, you will be given a discharge summary and a prescription for any medications you may need.