Unplanned C-Sections: What To Expect & Why They Are Needed
Sometimes birth doesn’t follow the script. If you're facing an unplanned C-Section, it can feel overwhelming or even frightening. But you’re not alone—and knowing what to expect can make the experience feel a little more manageable.
Not what you planned, but you’re not alone
It’s okay to feel disappointed, anxious, or even heartbroken when your birth plan changes. Many people spend months imagining a particular kind of birth, only to find that circumstances call for a different path.
You’re not alone in this. Around 1 in 3 births in the UK involve a C-Section, and many of these are unplanned. That doesn’t mean your body failed—it means your care team prioritised safety. The ultimate goal is a healthy parent and baby, no matter how the birth unfolds.
Reasons for an unplanned C-section
Unplanned C-sections are usually performed when continuing with a vaginal birth could pose a risk to you or your baby. Common reasons include:
Baby in distress – such as a sudden drop in heart rate or lack of oxygen
Labour not progressing – when the cervix stops dilating or contractions slow down
Breech or abnormal positioning – sometimes only discovered during labour
Placental issues – including placenta previa or placental abruption
Cord problems – like cord prolapse, where the umbilical cord slips ahead of the baby
Maternal health concerns – such as high blood pressure, infection or extreme exhaustion
Each of these situations calls for quick thinking and experienced care. While it may be unplanned, it’s always focused on protecting your wellbeing and your baby's.
What happens during an unplanned C-Section
If a C-Section becomes necessary, things may move quickly. Some situations require urgent action (within 30–75 minutes), while emergency C-Sections can happen in just minutes if there's immediate danger.
What your birth partner can expect
They’ll usually be able to stay with you—often sitting at your side, holding your hand. Staff will guide them through what’s happening and how to support you.
Types of anaesthesia used
Spinal anaesthesia is most common—you’re awake but numb from the chest down
General anaesthesia—used when time is critical or spinal isn’t possible
What the birthing parent feels
You won’t feel pain, but you might feel pressure, movement or tugging. A screen is placed so you don’t see the procedure and the team will keep you informed every step of the way.
Even if the room feels busy or fast-paced, this is still your birth. You deserve to feel seen, supported and respected.
Emotional impact of an unexpected C-Section
An unplanned C-Section can bring a wave of emotions: confusion, fear, sadness—or even grief over the loss of the birth you’d envisioned.
These feelings are normal and valid. You might feel:
Shocked or overwhelmed
Like things moved too fast to process
Disconnected from the experience
It's okay to mourn your birth plan
You’re allowed to grieve a birth that didn’t go as hoped. That doesn’t make you ungrateful—it makes you human.
How to process your experience
Talking helps. Ask for a postnatal debrief with your midwife or doula. This can help you understand what happened and begin to process it emotionally.
Recovery differences after unplanned C-Sections
An unplanned C-Section might involve a slightly longer recovery than a scheduled one. This is because:
Your body has already laboured or become fatigued
You may be emotionally drained in addition to physically healing
Managing recovery
Take regular pain relief as advised
Accept help from loved ones where possible
Focus on rest, hydration, and nourishing meals
Practice gentle scar care and follow medical advice
Bonding and breastfeeding
Having a C-Section does not prevent you from bonding with your baby. Skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding and nurturing moments are just as meaningful—no matter how birth happened.
How midwives support you through unexpected birth
Midwives are your advocates throughout pregnancy and labour—including when plans change suddenly. They are there to:
Support your decisions and communicate your needs to the team
Offer reassurance and emotional grounding when things move quickly
Help you reframe the story of your birth—not as a failure, but as a brave, responsive path to safety
During antenatal classes, ask questions like:
“What happens if I need an unplanned C-Xection?”
“How will I be supported emotionally?”
“Can I still do skin-to-skin after surgery?”
Being informed in advance can make sudden changes feel less frightening.
Your story still matters
Every birth—whether planned, unplanned, or somewhere in between—is valid. You are not “less than” because you had a C-Section. You are strong, responsive and loving.
Midwife’s reminder—There’s no ‘right’ way to give birth. There’s only safe, supported, and loved—and you deserve all three.