During your pregnancy or even in labour a situation may arise that a Caesarean Section is advised for the birth of your baby.

Where is the operating theatre?

There are two operating theatres close to the delivery suite, with a theatre team on stand-by 24 hours a day.

Who is in the theatre team?

The team will include doctors (obstetricians, an anaesthetist, a neonatologist), nursing staff – one who assists the surgeon and another, an operating department practitioner, who assists the anaesthetist, and your midwife

Will I be awake?

Most Caesarean Sections are performed while the woman is awake, by using a spinal anaesthetic. In this situation, if you wish, your partner may stay with you in theatre. To help you relax or distract you, why not bring some music – we can play tapes or CDs. Your partner will be directed into a changing room to put on suitable clothes before joining you in the theatre.

What if I have a General Anaesthetic?

If you have a general anaesthetic (when you are asleep) for your Caesarean it will not be possible for your partner to go into the operating theatre with you. Your partner will be shown to a relatives waiting area just outside of the theatre where they can wait for you. Theatre staff will keep your partner informed of your progress, and as soon as you awake from the anaesthetic, your partner will be able to join you in the theatre recovery room until you are transferred to one of the wards.