Caesarean birth

Quality statements

Statement 1 Pregnant women or pregnant people who have had 1 or more previous caesarean births have a documented discussion of the option to plan a vaginal birth.

Statement 2 Pregnant women or pregnant people who request a caesarean birth (when there is no medical indication) have a documented discussion with members of the maternity team about the overall benefits and risks of a caesarean birth compared with vaginal birth.

Statement 3 Pregnant women or pregnant people who request a caesarean birth because of anxiety about childbirth are offered a referral to a healthcare professional with expertise in perinatal mental health support.

Statement 4 Pregnant women or pregnant people who may require a planned caesarean birth have consultant involvement in decision making.

Statement 5 Pregnant women or pregnant people having a planned caesarean birth have the procedure carried out at or after 39 weeks, unless an earlier delivery is necessary because of maternal or fetal indications.

Statement 6 Women or people in labour being considered for an unplanned caesarean birth have a consultant obstetrician involved in the decision.

Statement 7 This statement has been removed. For more details, see update information.

Statement 8 Women and people who have had an emergency or unplanned caesarean birth are offered a discussion and are given written information about the reasons for their caesarean birth and birth options for future pregnancies.

Statement 9 Women and people who have had a caesarean birth are monitored for postoperative complications.