
C-sections: What you need to consider
C-sections: What you need to consider
How you bring your junior into the world is a very personal decision, with different factors at play. Here are a few things to consider about an elective caesarean, also known as a C-section.
Checklist
- Ask your healthcare provider if a caesarean is right for you.
- Consider a C-section if you’re expecting multiple children (twins, triplets).
- Consider that the post-birth recovery is longer, usually around six weeks.
- Talk to other moms who have had a C-section. Experience can often be different to what you expect.
- You may be advised to have a planned c-section in case of breech birth, problems with the placenta, or severe pre-eclampsia.
- Discuss the pros and cons of a C-section with your midwife or doctor.
- Be prepared to stay in hospital for up to 3-5 days afterwards.
- Remember, you won’t be able to drive for up to six weeks after a C-section but speak to your insurance company first to confirm.
- Consider the risk of possible complications if you’re having the procedure for non-medical reasons.
- Ask about your options for C-section pain medication and anesthesia.
- Ask about “gentle C-section” options, where parents are able to incorporate some of the more natural aspects of childbirth, such as immediate skin-to-skin contact.
- Read our C-section recovery checklist for things to think about after the op.
Related articles

C-section recovery: Things to think about
As with any surgery, C-section recovery takes time and self-care. Here are some things to have in mind to help you heal, from C-section recovery time to cleaning C-section incisions.
2 mins to read

Signs of Baby blues vs postpartum depression
Wondering how to know if I have postnatal depression? You’ve just birthed a human, your whole has been turned upside down, and you haven’t slept for what feels like an age.
5 mins to read

Exercising After Childbirth: 3 Postpartum Exercises You Should Consider
Once you’ve given birth, you may begin reminiscing to those simple days before pregnancy.
3 mins to read

3 Tips to Overcome Fatigue during Pregnancy
Much like the wind changes direction, the journey of motherhood is filled with ups and downs.
4 mins to read

20-Week pregnant: Development and diet
There’s so much going on in your belly this week that you may want to take a little nap after reading about it! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read

36-Week pregnant: Development and diet
From now until she makes her grand entrance, your little one will continue to grow. She is already 45 cm long and weighs about 2.9 kg! Read more about this week.
Danial Ahmad, Author
3 mins to read

Questions to ask at your 12-week scan
Finally, your 12-week scan is here! This pregnancy scan is an important one. It can also be very emotional, so it helps to have a list of questions pre-prepared.
1 min to read

Pregnancy: The Start of Loving and Protecting
The moment you know another being is growing inside your body, your maternal instincts are awakened.
Danial Ahmad, Author
4 mins to read

15-Week pregnant: Development and diet
Though your little darling is planted deep inside you, this is the week where everything gets set up for his sense of smell. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read

31-Week pregnant: Development and diet
As D-Day fast approaches, your little one will soon be moving into position for birth. How clever! But you already knew that. Read more about this week.
Danial Ahmad, Author
2 mins to read

10-Week pregnant: Development and diet
You are already at week 10 of your pregnancy. Still another 29 weeks to go before you get to meet your little love. Learn more about what’s going on this week.
Danial Ahmad, Author
3 mins to read

26-Week pregnant: Development and diet
A little ta-da moment for the final week of your second trimester – your darling-in-the-womb will open her eyes for the first time around now! Read more about this week.
Danial Ahmad, Author
2 mins to read

What exercise can I do and when?
Exercising while you’re pregnant is important for you and your child’s health. Physical activity can help you control your weight gain, lift your mood, and even help labour go more smoothly.
4 mins to read

5 ways to reduce your child’s chances of having allergies
Find out how breastfeeding from birth and beyond and taking certain probiotics may also help reduce your child’s allergy risks
Shen-Li Tan
5 mins to read

Postpartum Complications: Conditions that Affect You After Birth
After your child is born, your body is on an ongoing quest to recover and adapt into a superhuman that’ll save the world.
3 mins to read

Discover The Beautiful Journey of Pregnancy
Find out how your baby grows, week by week, through the process of pregnancy. Subscribe to our Nestlé Start Well Stay Well YouTube channel now!
Danial Ahmad, Author
1 min to read

3-Week pregnant: Development and diet
You’re at the very beginning of the journey. You can’t see anything yet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a whole lot going on.
Danial Ahmad, Author
3 mins to read

21-Week pregnant: Development and diet
Though the foetus now weighs around half a kilo, your little darling still has plenty of room in your belly. And likes to use it when not asleep! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read

37-Week pregnant: Development and diet
Your little one tends to keep his head down, arms crossed, and legs folded up on his chest as there’s not much room to move around. He’ll be very glad to get out and stretch!
Danial Ahmad, Author
3 mins to read
Related tools
Ovulation calendar
Determine when you are likely to ovulate can improve your chances of conceiving.
Pregnancy week
Find out what changes you can expect in your body, your emotions, your life and your little one.