All these conditions can be anticipated early on in the delivery process, or will be detected before labour begins, and the Caesarean can be at least mentally prepared for. Emergency Caesarean may be required during a normally begun labour, if there is a prolapsed umbilical cord for example , or a haemorrhage from placenta praevia. The mother's pubic area is shaved, an epidural administered and an intravenous drip set up. A catheter drains urine, and the mother's abdomen is swabbed with antiseptic. A short, horizontal incision is made along the base of the abdomen and in the lower segment of the uterus.
Amniotic fluid is drained, and the baby lifted out.
Finally, the umbilical cord will be cut, and the placenta removed before the uterus and abdomen are stitched up again. This is a gentler alternative to forceps, and does not always necessitate an episiotomy. It involves a metal plate, or a synthetic cone-shaped devise. The plate or cone is placed over the baby's head, and a vacuum is created using a pump so that the head can be rotated and traction applied. The appliance can be attached to the lowest part of the baby's head, and although there will be a bruise on the head, the shape of the head is unaffected.