Nature's way of giving birth is vaginal delivery. But when a vaginal birth would be risky for mother or baby — or when the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks — a caesarean section may be recommended. Caesarean delivery is common in Sri Lanka, accounting for a large proportion of births, and facilities for it are available in most base hospitals. The operation itself usually takes less than an hour.1

Planned or emergency?

There are two main types of caesarean:

  • A planned (elective) caesarean — the need is identified in advance, and the operation is booked for a set date, usually from 39 weeks.
  • An emergency caesarean — carried out when a complication arises before or during labour, to protect mother or baby.

Although caesarean birth is a common and generally safe operation, it is still major surgery with potential complications, so it is recommended only when genuinely needed.2

What happens during the operation

A caesarean usually follows these steps:1,2

  1. Anaesthesia — usually a spinal anaesthetic, which numbs you from the chest down while you stay awake. A general anaesthetic is occasionally needed.
  2. Preparation — a thin tube (urinary catheter) is placed in the bladder, the lower tummy is prepared, and the site is cleaned and sterilised.
  3. The incision — a small horizontal cut along the “bikini line,” low enough to be hidden by underwear.
  4. Delivery — the surgeon reaches the womb through a second small cut, delivers your baby, and clamps and cuts the cord. You meet your baby straight away — and breastfeeding can often begin while the operation is being completed.
  5. Closing up — the placenta is delivered, the womb is checked, and each layer is stitched closed.

Recovery: the first hours and days

Modern care aims to get you eating, drinking and moving early — this speeds recovery and reduces complications:3

  • The numbness from the spinal wears off in around four hours; painkillers keep you comfortable from then on. Do keep taking them regularly — good pain relief helps you move and feed your baby.
  • You can usually eat and drink as soon as you feel ready, rather than waiting.
  • The urinary catheter is removed as early as possible — typically 6 to 12 hours after surgery, once the anaesthetic has worn off and you can walk to the toilet.
  • Most mothers are up and walking within the first day. Early walking is one of the best things you can do for your recovery.

Preventing blood clots

Surgery and pregnancy both increase the risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis). To prevent this, we encourage early walking, drinking plenty of fluids, and wearing compression stockings. Women at higher risk are also given blood-thinning injections for a short period.3 Tell your team straight away if you notice a painful, swollen leg or sudden breathlessness after surgery.

Recovery at home: give yourself time

A caesarean is major surgery, and full recovery takes longer than a few days — usually around six weeks.1 In that time:

  • Keep the wound clean and dry, and watch for signs of infection (increasing redness, oozing, fever).
  • Avoid heavy lifting — as a rule of thumb, nothing heavier than your baby at first.
  • Don't drive until you can move freely and brake sharply without pain — often around six weeks; check with your doctor and your insurer.
  • Gentle walking is encouraged from the start; build activity up gradually.

Ask for help at home where you can, and be patient with yourself — recovering from surgery while caring for a newborn is no small task.

Thinking about your next baby: birth after caesarean (VBAC)

Having a caesarean does not automatically mean every future baby must be born the same way. Many women can safely plan a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC), which is successful for most who attempt it, while others choose a planned repeat caesarean.4 At Sugabi Clinic we routinely discuss both options with suitable mothers in the next pregnancy, so you can weigh the benefits and risks for your own situation and make the choice that is right for you.

The takeaway

A caesarean is a common, generally safe operation — recommended when it is the safest way for your baby to be born. Knowing what happens, moving early afterwards, and giving yourself a realistic six weeks to heal will help you recover well. And if you've had a caesarean before, remember you may still have choices next time. For personalised advice at any stage of your pregnancy, we are here for you at Sugabi Clinic.

References

  1. NHS. Caesarean section [Internet]. London: NHS; [cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/
  2. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Considering a caesarean birth [Internet]. London: RCOG; [cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/considering-a-caesarean-birth/
  3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Caesarean birth (NG192) [Internet]. London: NICE; 2021 [updated 2024; cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng192
  4. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Birth after previous caesarean birth (Green-top Guideline No. 45). London: RCOG; 2015. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/kpkjwd5h/gtg_45.pdf