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Private C-section delivery
- The UK’s only private hospital dedicated to women and children
- Specialist support throughout your C-section birth journey
- Fully private en-suite rooms for you and your partner
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CAESAREAN DELIVERY AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
We want you to experience your birth, your way as far as that’s safe and possible. You can trust HCA UK to support you at every step, offering personalised care from early pregnancy to antenatal classes and delivery with comprehensive options for pregnancy care. That includes elective (planned) C-section delivery at The Portland Hospital, the UK’s only private hospital dedicated to women and children.
Choosing a caesarean delivery is a significant decision and our consultant obstetricians and midwives are here to help you make an informed choice. We’ll discuss your birth plans, address any concerns and work with you to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable birth experience. Attending one of our pregnancy open evenings is the best way to meet the team, explore our approach and understand the full range of maternity services we offer.
A caesarean delivery, commonly known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure where your baby is born through an incision made in your uterus through your abdomen.
If your caesarean is planned before you go into labour, this is known as an elective caesarean. Elective C-sections are generally planned for the 39th week of pregnancy, though your consultant will agree the exact timing with you based on your medical and pregnancy history.
With HCA UK, safety always comes first. You may be recommended a C-section if you have a range of conditions or if your baby is in breech position, due to be born bottom-first rather than head-first, as this can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Some women also simply choose to deliver their baby this way and we’re here to support your choices.
A non-planned C-section is called an emergency caesarean. This might be due to a change in your pregnancy or if your baby simply cannot wait for its scheduled C-section date and you go into labour before that. We’ll still be able to deliver your baby via caesarean, just contact the hospital and explain your situation.
If your caesarean is planned before you go into labour, this is known as an elective caesarean. Elective C-sections are generally planned for the 39th week of pregnancy, though your consultant will agree the exact timing with you based on your medical and pregnancy history.
With HCA UK, safety always comes first. You may be recommended a C-section if you have a range of conditions or if your baby is in breech position, due to be born bottom-first rather than head-first, as this can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Some women also simply choose to deliver their baby this way and we’re here to support your choices.
A non-planned C-section is called an emergency caesarean. This might be due to a change in your pregnancy or if your baby simply cannot wait for its scheduled C-section date and you go into labour before that. We’ll still be able to deliver your baby via caesarean, just contact the hospital and explain your situation.
You’ll usually be given a regional anaesthetic, often spinal or epidural. This means you'll be awake and be able to remember the birth, but the lower part of your body will be numb. A dedicated consultant will administer the anaesthetic and be present throughout the C-section to ensure you remain pain-free.
A screen will be placed over your abdomen so you can't see the operation, helping you and your birthing partner to feel more comfortable. Your consultant will make an incision in your lower abdomen and then your womb and use this to deliver your baby. You can agree with your consultant that the screen is lowered at the time of delivery so that you can share the moment of birth.
The umbilical cord will be cut and clamped and your placenta removed. If it’s safe to do so, we’ll briefly delay the cord clamping to allow for extra blood flow to your baby, which can benefit their health. Your consultant will then close both of your incisions.
If the screen was lowered for the delivery, it will be replaced for this final step. Often, you and your birthing partner will be able to hold your baby and enjoy skin-to-skin contact during the closing-up procedure.
A screen will be placed over your abdomen so you can't see the operation, helping you and your birthing partner to feel more comfortable. Your consultant will make an incision in your lower abdomen and then your womb and use this to deliver your baby. You can agree with your consultant that the screen is lowered at the time of delivery so that you can share the moment of birth.
The umbilical cord will be cut and clamped and your placenta removed. If it’s safe to do so, we’ll briefly delay the cord clamping to allow for extra blood flow to your baby, which can benefit their health. Your consultant will then close both of your incisions.
If the screen was lowered for the delivery, it will be replaced for this final step. Often, you and your birthing partner will be able to hold your baby and enjoy skin-to-skin contact during the closing-up procedure.
No.1
the only UK private hospital dedicated to treating women and children
9
level 3 intensive care beds for the highest levels of care
40,000
babies, children and young people cared for each year
Personalised to you
Maternity care with mum and baby at the centre
24/7 support
from our dedicated maternity teams
Onward referrals for mum and baby
access to leading consultants in our HCA UK network
THE CAESAREAN DELIVERY PROCESS
What to expect
We’ll make sure you’re safe, comfortable and fully informed at every stage of your birthing journey. From the moment you’re admitted to your private room until you and your new baby are ready to go home, your dedicated team will provide personalised care, tailored to the needs of you and your newborn.
01
Initial consultation
The first step is to sit down and talk to one of our consultant obstetricians. They’ll explore your medical history, ask about your birth preferences and devise a C-section delivery plan specifically for you.
02
Pre-natal care
You’ll get comprehensive pre-natal care in the lead-up to your delivery. We’ll give you regular checkups, and the specific guidance and support you need to prepare for a successful C-section delivery.
03
Delivery time
On the day of delivery, a skilled surgical team will perform your Caesarean section. You’ll be awake and able to welcome your new baby into the world.
04
Aftercare
You and your new baby will be carefully looked after, and you’ll have time to recover and heal in your private room with your partner and family. We’ll give you advice on breastfeeding and how to manage your recovery, and all the help you need to take your first confident steps into motherhood.
Location
Where can I get a private C-section?
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Caesarean delivery FAQ
Yes, you can. You can choose whichever method you feel most comfortable with to deliver your baby, including a Caesarean section.
It's understandable to have concerns about childbirth but if you're experiencing significant anxiety, it's important that you discuss your feelings with your midwife or consultant. They can provide support, discuss pain-relief options, and help you make an informed decision about your birth plan.
It's understandable to have concerns about childbirth but if you're experiencing significant anxiety, it's important that you discuss your feelings with your midwife or consultant. They can provide support, discuss pain-relief options, and help you make an informed decision about your birth plan.
The cost of an elective private caesarean section at The Portland Hospital is £9,300, plus consultant professional fees which can cost up to £12,000. Visit our maternity packages and prices page for a detailed breakdown of all potential costs.
Pregnancy, birth and post-natal care aren’t usually covered by health insurance, and that includes elective C-sections. However, some policies might offer coverage for an emergency C-section if it’s required due to a complication during birth. To find out more about your coverage, speak to your insurance provider.
Your surgery should take between 45 minutes and an hour from start to finish. Your baby will usually be delivered at the start of the procedure, and then your surgeon will use the remaining time to carefully close the incisions in your uterus and abdomen.
While the surgery itself is relatively quick, you can expect to be in the operating room and recovery area for a few hours in total, including preparation and recovery time.
While the surgery itself is relatively quick, you can expect to be in the operating room and recovery area for a few hours in total, including preparation and recovery time.
It’s a good idea to stay in hospital for at least 24 hours after you’ve had a C-section delivery. This gives your team time to monitor your pain and check that you’re recovering from your surgery as expected and that you and your baby are doing well.
Moving around is good, because it helps you to heal more quickly, and reduces the risk of blood clots. But it’s important to take things slowly and listen to your body, so start with small steps and then gradually increase how far you walk as you feel more comfortable.
Everyone heals at a different pace. The incisions from your C-section usually heal in around 6-8 weeks, but it can take up to a year for deeper layers of soft tissue to fully recover. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity, and make sure you attend your post-natal check-ups to get specific recovery advice.
Your body needs time to heal after a C-section, and your team need to make sure you’re recovering well. So, it’s a good idea to wait until you’ve had your post-natal checkup before you start having sex again, which is usually around six weeks after you’ve given birth.
However, everyone heals differently. You can discuss your specific situation with your doctor or midwife, and they’ll be able to give you personalised advice.
However, everyone heals differently. You can discuss your specific situation with your doctor or midwife, and they’ll be able to give you personalised advice.
Our patients’ stories
Lucy's caesarean delivery
Lucy shares her experience of having a baby by C-section
Natasha's birth story
Giving birth at The Portland Hospital is becoming a family tradition for new grandmother Tessa Courage and her daughter Natasha Crystal.
“Giving birth is a big life event and all the staff here seemed so attentive and genuinely pleased for us when we had Tasha. Going back to the Portland after 30 years for Natasha's delivery was very reassuring – I knew she was in safe hands.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.