Do you know what a caesarean section involves?: Your results

Caesarean birth has become so common in the UK that you may feel the need to swot up on what happens during a caesarean and why, even if you're planning a normal birth. Here's your chance to test your knowledge.
Did you fall asleep during class? Check out our Caesarean area to find out more.
Not too bad, but you can always look at our Caesarean area if you are unsure about anything.
What are you, an obstetrician? It looks like you already know all about caesarean birth. Well done!

Your answers

What percentage of unplanned caesarean births are real emergencies?
About six per cent
About 10 per cent
About 25 per cent
About 60 per cent of caesarean births in the UK are unplanned, but only about six per cent of these are real emergencies. This means that the mum or baby is in a life-threatening condition and the baby needs to be born as soon as possible. There's quite a lot to do before a caesarean can be started so this usually means within 30 minutes. With less urgent, but still unplanned, caesareans you'll have about an hour for you and your partner to prepare yourself for what is to come.
Which of the following is NOT a common reason for a planned caesarean?
Twin pregnancy
Low-lying placenta
Fetal distress
Baby in breech position
Fetal distress is a complication which may happen during labour and is a reason why an emergency caesarean rather than an elective or planned caesarean may be necessary. It means that there are signs that the baby is in distress and may need to be born quickly. If an assisted birth (when your baby is born with the help of forceps or ventouse) is not possible then caesarean birth will be the next option.
What do you need to remove or have removed before you go into theatre?
Your glasses
Your make up, including nail varnish
Any false teeth, removable dental bridges or braces
Any jewellery
All of the above
All of the above need to be removed before you go into theatre. The anaesthetist will need to monitor your skin tone, which is why make up and nail varnish need to come off. Anything loose needs to be removed from your mouth in case you need oxygen or intubation - you don't want to choke on these! Anything that might catch or get in the way, such as glasses or jewellery also needs to be removed. You may be able to have your wedding ring taped over rather than removing it.
Why might you need to wear compression stockings during and after a caesarean?
To keep warm
To help tone your legs
To help prevent a blood clot forming
Compression stockings are just one way of preventing a blood clot forming in your legs during or after surgery. If a clot formed it could cause a deep vein thrombosis in your leg or travel to your lungs and cause a more serious problem. Blood clots are a risk of childbirth and of major operations so these risks are combined with a caesarean.
Why would you be offered antibiotics before having a caesarean?
To battle a cough or cold you’re suffering from
To help relax your baby as he’s born
To reduce your risk of infection
Caesarean birth is a major operation so it carries a higher risk of infection for the mother compared to vaginal birth. Infections of the lining of the uterus (womb), the scar and urinary tract infections can all crop up after a caesarean. So a preventative dose of antibiotics may help lower your chances of developing an infection as you recover from the birth. However, even with the use of antibiotics about eight per cent of women still go on to develop an infection.
Where does the obstetrician usually make the first cut during a caesarean birth?
Down the middle of your tummy
Across the middle of your tummy
Across the lower end of your tummy, just above the top of your pubic bone
The obstetrician who carries out the surgery makes a straight cut about two fingers' width above the pubic bone. This is called a bikini cut. The area has to be shaved and cleaned before the operation. A bikini cut is less painful and looks better than cuts across the tummy. The other advantage is that the scar gets covered by the pubic hair as it grows back.
Can your birth partner usually go with you into theatre?
In most cases, your birth partner can "gown up" in some theatre pyjamas, clogs and a mask (which will be supplied by the maternity unit) and be with you during the birth. If it's a real emergency then sometimes there is not enough time for this and your birth partner will have to wait outside, but this doesn't happen very often.
How long does it take from the start of the operation for your baby to be born?
Five to 10 minutes
10 to 15 minutes
At least 20 minutes
It can take just five minutes for the obstetrician to open you up and for your baby to be born. Stitching you up again afterwards, understandably, takes longer. After all, it's not something you want your surgeon to rush! If you've had one, two or more previous caesareans it can take longer still, as there will be lots of scar tissue for the surgeon to tidy up.

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