This episode will cover:

• What is a planned c-sections
• Why you might have a planned c-sections
• Rates of planned c-sections
• What happens in a planned c-sections
• Types of planned c-sections

[1:56] Brigid reminds listeners that they can listen to Ep 18 and 19 for more information about Caesareans including recovery from Caesarean sections.

[2:11] Dr Pat says why he doesn’t like the term ‘elective Caesarean’ and likes planned Caesarean instead.

[3:21] Dr Pat lists why you might have a planned section, usually due to different risk factors. One of the biggest reasons is because you had a previous section or multiple birth or placenta praevia, or a small amount of people who elect to have a planned Caesarean.

[5:54] Planned Caesarean for gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia could be minimised by more appropriate intervention with induction of labour.

[8:04] Dr Pat talks us through if you want a vaginal birth but have been advised to have a planned section.

[9:51] For first time mums, about 32% of women will have a Caesarean, about a quarter of these are planned sections from the start with the remaining being an emergency Caesarean.

[11:10] For second time mums, about 86% of women will have a second Caesarean. Dr Pat discusses how with good selection a VBAC or vaginal birth after Caesarean is an option. 

[14:12] Brigid talks about how the rate of VBAC is declining. 12% in the public hospital and 5.4% private hospital.

[14:52] Dr Pat talks about Caesarean rates in public and private settings.

[17:12] Dr Pat talks about how the Caesarean operation has become safer throughout the years.

[20:40] Dr Pat talks about when you have a planned section booked but you go into labour before the date.

[23:01] Brigid talks about what happens the night of your planned section from her experience.

[23:34] Dr Pat talks about the first step in a planned Caesarean, getting your anaesthetic and who is in the theatre room.

[25:10] Dr Pat describes the planned Caesarean process and what happens after the baby is born.

[27:19] You can ask for your own music in the theatre!

[28:16] Often the baby comes back to you for a cuddle wrapped up like a burrito, you can ask your midwife to help you unwrap the baby so you can have skin to skin.

[29:50] Dr Pat talks about a Maternal Assisted Caesarean and describes what happens during this type of Caesarean.