Caesarean section

Summary

The NICE caesarean section clinical guideline covers:

• the information women can expect to receive from their doctor or midwife about caesarean section
• the most common reasons why they might need to have a caesarean section
• the benefits and risks of having a baby by a caesarean section compared with a vaginal birth
• what can be done to reduce the chances that women will need a caesarean section
• routine tests and treatments you should be offered women who have a caesarean section
• the care they can expect to receive before, during and after a caesarean section

The recommendations do not cover:

• the risks and benefits of caesarean section when it is used to deal with specific medical conditions that arise during pregnancy such as high blood pressure that happens for the first time during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia)
• what will happen if the mother or baby has a rare or complex condition such as a severe heart condition
• extra care that may be needed if the mother or baby develops specific medical conditions in the course of the pregnancy or labour

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• CG13 Caesarean section: Evidence tables
• CG13 Caesarean section: Full guideline
• CG13 Caesarean section: Quick reference guide (print-friendly version)
• CG13 Caesarean section: Algorithm
• CG13 Caesarean section: NICE guideline

For patients, carers and the public

• CG13 Caesarean section: Information for the public

Background information

• CG13 Caesarean section: Distribution list
• 2004/022 New NHS guidelines on caesarean sections set out best care for women and babies
• Scope for the development of a clinical guideline on Caesarean Section

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• None found