Considering a caesarean birth. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2022

About this course

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) have created this document to help those who are considering a planned elective

This information is for you if you are considering a planned (elective) caesarean birth for your baby. It may also be helpful if you are a partner, relative or friend of someone who is considering a caesarean birth.

This information is not for you if you have already been offered a caesarean birth because of specific reasons in your pregnancy, as the benefits and risks will be different. If you are in that situation, your healthcare professional will discuss your options for birth with you. If you have had a caesarean birth in the past, please see the RCOG patient information Birth options after previous caesarean section (https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-all-patient-information- leaflets/birth-after-previous-caesarean-patient-information-leaflet/).