Want to have a Caesarean? Christine Hill on the advantages and disadvantages of C-sections.

More women than ever before are choosing to have a Caesarean section rather than go through labour. Some people view this rise in Caesarean figures with concern – probably on the grounds that it's not ‘natural’. When all goes well, a vaginal delivery can be a very emotionally satisfying and wonderful experience. For some women, childbirth is the most fulfilling thing they will ever do. Clearly not all women feel the same way and studies show you don’t have to experience labour pains or natural childbirth in order to fall in love with your baby.

It is not unusual to feel nervous about labour and birth, but these anxieties tend to subside as the weeks go by. If, however, you really feel that normal vaginal birth is not for you – yes, it is possible to have an elective Caesarean. But you should know what you are letting yourself in for.

A Caesarean section is when the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus. It is a surgical procedure and involves an operation, which normally takes place in a hospital operating theatre. You will have to sign an informed consent form, as you would before any operation.

Delivering a baby by Caesarean section rather than by normal childbirth is more expensive for the hospital

The idea that an otherwise fit and healthy woman who is capable of giving birth vaginally might, for her own reasons, choose to have an elective Caesarean is still relatively new. You will need to find an amenable obstetrician who is prepared to give you a Caesarean section at your request rather than for a medical reason.

It is, however, extremely unlikely that any obstetrician will do an elective Caesarean under a general anaesthetic. Most obstetricians prefer to operate under a regional anaesthetic, which means you will be awake. This is safer for the mother and better for the baby. A regional anaesthetic involves an injection in the lower spine. This would be an epidural and you will not feel any pain.

An elective Caesarean is so called when the decision to have a Caesarean is taken during pregnancy. If the decision is made once the woman is actually in labour, it is called an emergency Caesarean.

Most elective Caesarean sections are performed a week before the mother’s EDD. (Estimated Date of Delivery.) This is because it is easier (and safer) to cut a non contracting muscle (the uterus) and do an operation when all the theatre staff are on site, prepared and alert, rather than in an emergency when staff may be scattered round the hospital, flustered and tired. Most hospitals ask the mother to come in the night before, and the operation is done next morning.

There are some disadvantages.

• The recovery period is longer than it is following a normal delivery, which means you stay in hospital for at least five days, rather than the usual two or three days after a vaginal birth.
• You are likely to find moving around uncomfortable. Getting in and out of bed will be tricky so you will be dependant on people passing your baby to you for feeding.
• Because you have a abdominal wound, it is sometimes more difficult to find a comfortable position for the first days of breastfeeding.
• When you go home, you will need to have someone around for a week or so as you’ll find standing for long periods difficult.
• If a you’ve had one caesarean section, then it’s likely that subsequent deliveries will also be by Caesarian.
• Because c-sections are surgery, they carry the risks of surgery.

• With elective Caesareans, you know when your baby will born and can make the necessary arrangements – and so can your husband.
• It may be the safest option in the case of breech presentation or if the baby's head is determined to be too big for the mother's pelvis.
• Emergency Caesareans may be necessary to preserve the health of the baby and/or the mother.