ABSTRACT
Women are encouraged to consider having Caesarean section (CS) under spinal and/or epidural anaesthesia rather than general anaesthesia, especially if it is an elective procedure. The operating surgeon must see the patient and discuss the nature of the operation and respond to any questions or requests prior to the patient being taken into theatre. The same person should aim to review the woman and discuss the events around the delivery within 2 days of any unplanned CS. The indication for CS must always be clearly stated and documented in the notes by the member of staff taking that decision. All elective CS decisions must be discussed with the woman’s consultant. Most women scheduled to have an elective CS come in to hospital on the morning of the operation. The midwife is responsible for the provision of care to the mother and baby pre- and postoperatively, including the documentation.
