Caesarean birth

ABSTRACT

This guideline covers when to offer caesarean birth, discussion of caesarean birth, procedural aspects of the operation, and care after caesarean birth. It aims to improve the consistency and quality of care for women who are thinking about having a caesarean birth or have had a previous caesarean birth and are pregnant again. The guideline uses the terms 'woman' or 'mother' throughout. These should be taken to include people who do not identify as women but are pregnant or have given birth. The recommendations in this guideline were developed before the COVID-19 pandemic.