Free family guide · Getting ready for birth

C-section: what happens and recovery

MedlinePlus says a cesarean is surgery to deliver the baby through the belly, and it can be planned or done as an emergency.[1]

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Sources on this page: MedlinePlus; ACOG; NHS

This page shares what health organizations say. It is not medical advice. It is general information. Talk to your doctor, midwife or pediatrician about your own situation.

In an emergency, call 911.

Why it is done

MedlinePlus lists reasons that include:[1]

  • the mother's health, including infection;[1]
  • twins or more;[1]
  • a large baby, or the baby's position;[1]
  • signs that the baby is in distress;[1]
  • labor that is not progressing;[1]
  • problems with the placenta.[1]

Sources differ

Sources give different numbers for cesarean births:[2][3]

  • ACOG says about 1 in 3 babies in the United States is born by cesarean.[2]
  • The NHS says that in England nearly 3 in 10 babies are born by cesarean.[3]

What happens

ACOG says the anesthesia options include an epidural, a spinal block, a combination of both, or general anesthesia.[2]

The NHS says the cut is 10 to 20 cm, and the operation takes 40 to 50 minutes.[3]

The NHS says a planned cesarean is usually booked at 39 weeks or later, for the baby's lung development.[4]

ACOG says that with a planned cesarean before labor or before the water breaks, antibiotics for group B strep are not needed, but the test is still done.[5]

Recovery

MedlinePlus says recovery takes longer than after a vaginal birth.[1]

Sources differ

Sources give different hospital stays:[2][6]

  • ACOG says the hospital stay is usually 2 to 4 days.[2]
  • The NHS says the average stay after a planned cesarean is 3 or 4 days.[6]

ACOG says bleeding or discharge lasts about 4 to 6 weeks, and to put nothing in the vagina and avoid sex for a few weeks.[2]

MedlinePlus says the risk of problems in future pregnancies rises with each cesarean.[1] ACOG says a vaginal birth after cesarean may be possible.[2]

Call right away for

ACOG says to call your provider right away for:[2]

  • fever or chills;[2]
  • pain in your leg;[2]
  • fluid draining from the incision;[2]
  • heavy bleeding;[2]
  • pain that gets worse;[2]
  • shortness of breath.[2]

Questions families ask

How long is the hospital stay after a C-section?

ACOG says usually 2 to 4 days.[2] The NHS says 3 or 4 days on average after a planned cesarean.[6]

Can I have a vaginal birth after a C-section?

ACOG says a vaginal birth after cesarean may be possible.[2] The NHS says it is often possible.[3]

Free from UpOnly Learning. Written for families of every faith. No outside ads and no affiliate links. Every fact on this page comes from the sources listed below. How we source and review these pages

Updated 2026-10-24: first published.

Sources

All sources were opened and checked on the date shown.

  1. MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Cesarean Section. Checked October 24, 2026.
  2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Cesarean Birth. Checked October 24, 2026.
  3. NHS (United Kingdom). 36 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  4. NHS (United Kingdom). 38 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Group B Strep and Pregnancy. Checked October 24, 2026.
  6. NHS (United Kingdom). 32 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.