What Actually Happens During an Emergency C-Section (and What You Can Choose)
Mama, we know this might not be what you had in mind.
You were planning your birth, envisioning how things might unfold, maybe even dreaming of that first golden hour snuggle. And then, curveball. You’re told you need an emergency c-section. Deep breath. Let’s unpack what that really means and (just as importantly) what you still get to choose.
This is for the first-time mamas, the ones who’ve never had belly birth even cross their mind. We’re here to walk you through it with love, honesty, and a whole lot of practical know-how.
What is an Emergency C-Section?
An emergency caesarean (or C-section) happens when a quick decision is made to deliver your baby surgically, usually because there’s a risk to your or your baby’s wellbeing. This might be due to things like:
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Baby’s heart rate dropping
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Labour not progressing
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Cord prolapse
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Placenta issues
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Or you just know something isn’t right—your intuition counts, too.
Some emergency c-sections are full “drop everything” situations. Others are “urgent, but there’s time to prep.” Your midwife, obstetrician, or hospital team will guide you depending on the situation.
Step-by-Step: What Happens in Theatre
Here’s what to expect when an emergency c-section is called:
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Consent - Even in an emergency, you still have to give your consent. You’ll be asked to sign a form unless the situation is life-threatening and immediate.
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Anaesthetic - Most emergency c-sections in NZ are done with a spinal block or epidural, so you’ll be awake but numb from the chest down. In a true emergency, a general anaesthetic (where you’re asleep) may be used.
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Theatre Prep - You’ll be wheeled into an operating theatre. Your partner/support person can usually come in with you if you’re awake, dressed in hospital scrubs.
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Baby Time - The actual birth part takes about 10–15 minutes. You’ll feel tugging and pressure, but no pain.
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Placenta & Stitches - The team will deliver the placenta, clean up, and begin stitching (this part takes the longest – about 30–45 minutes).
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Recovery Room - You’ll be moved to recovery, monitored closely, and reunited with baby as soon as possible if they haven’t already been placed on your chest.
What You Can Still Choose
Even in the rush of it all, mama, you still have the power. These are some choices that may be available - talk to your care team ahead of time if you want to explore them:
Your Support Person
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YES, your birth partner can usually still be there (unless you’re under general anaesthetic). Let them know they belong in that room with you.
Gentle C-Section Options
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Ask if you can have a clear drape or lowered curtain to see baby being born (if you’re comfortable with that).
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Want photos or videos taken? Make that clear to your support person or team.
Skin-to-Skin
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If baby is well, they can often go skin-to-skin on your chest in theatre or as soon as you're in recovery. Ask your midwife to advocate for this.
Delayed Cord Clamping
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May still be possible! Chat to your team - it depends on the urgency, but in some cases, they can delay clamping even during a belly birth.
Talking Through It
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Ask for a step-by-step rundown during the procedure if that comforts you. Some mamas find it grounding to know exactly what’s happening.
Afterwards: What to Expect
You’ve just done something huge. You deserve to be treated like the warrior you are.
Recovery might feel like a blur. You’ll have a catheter in, be on pain meds, and need help with moving and feeding baby at first. This is not weakness - this is recovery.
In most New Zealand hospitals, you’ll stay in the hospital for 3–5 days. Make use of the support, ask the questions, and press the buzzer. This is your sacred healing time.
A Gentle Reminder
Just because it wasn’t the birth you imagined doesn’t mean it wasn’t a beautiful, powerful entry into motherhood. You made hard decisions with love. That is mothering.
And you are allowed to grieve the birth you didn’t get. You’re allowed to feel every emotion in the mix. There’s no wrong way to feel about your emergency c-section.
But please know - your body didn’t fail. You didn’t fail. You. Gave. Birth.
If you’re prepping for the unknown or recovering from an emergency c-section, our Belly Birth Bundle and Postpartum Healing Packs are here to help you rest, recover, and feel supported through it all.
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You've got this, mama.
Love Viva La Vulva xx
Empowering mama, embracing postpartum.
