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Pre-operative instructions for women having a planned cesarean (C-section)

Patient Education
Last reviewed

Please come to the Labor and Delivery Unit on *** at *** a.m./p.m. 
Your c-section is schedule at *** a.m./p.m.

  • It is very important to come on time so your c-section can start as scheduled.
    • Labor and Delivery is on the 6th floor at Elevator I. 
    • Ramp 4 is the closest parking ramp.
  • The Labor and Delivery Unit phone number is 319-356-2615.  
  • We cannot predict the number of people who will be having babies during your scheduled c-section. This number can change quickly. So, sometimes for the safety of you, other patients, and your baby’s, we may need to delay or reschedule a planned c-section. We ask for your understanding if your c-section is later than planned.

Eating and drinking before surgery

8 hours before

  • Do not eat food for 8 hours before your scheduled arrival time, unless told differently by your provider.
    • Also, stop food or formula given through a feeding tube.
  • If you have diabetes or gestational diabetes, you will be given instructions for how to take your medicines and eat before your procedure.

2 hours before

  • You may drink clear fluids until 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time. Clear liquids are: 
    • Apple or white grape juice (not orange juice)
    • Black coffee without milk, cream, or creamer
    • Clear tea without milk, cream, or creamer
    • Carbonated drinks, such as Coke® or 7-Up®
    • Clear, fat-free broth
    • Infant electrolyte drinks, such as Pedialyte®
    • Non-turbid clear protein drinks, such as Ensure Clear®, Premier Protein®, and Fizzique®
    • Sports drinks, such a Gatorade®
    • Water

  • Remember:

    • Clear fluids cannot be hazy or cloudy. They cannot have pulp or fats. 
    • No milk, creamer, or lemon added to any drinks.
    • No alcohol.
    • Do not swallow gum, mints, or candy.

2 hours or less before your procedure

  • Do not eat or drink anything if possible. If you must take prescribed medicines, take them with 1 ounce of water.
  • Do not eat any solid food after *** a.m./p.m.  But, please continue to drink.
  • You should drink clear liquids until *** a.m./p.m.  Do not drink anything after this time.

Your stomach must be empty for surgery.  We do not want food from your stomach to get into your lungs during surgery.  Your surgery will be delayed if you do not or cannot follow these instructions.

Follow these instructions before surgery:

  • Do not shave or wax your abdomen, pubic area, or upper thighs for at least 1 week before your c-section.
  • Take off all jewelry. It is best to leave valuable jewelry at home.

Recovering after a Planned C-section

At University of Iowa Health Care, we follow an enhanced recovery program for planned c-sections. This is an evidence-based approach to help birthing parents recover more quickly. Our goal is to help you recover quickly and safely after your baby’s birth. 

  • People are often ready to go home 2 days after a planned c-section.
  • Drink clear fluids up until 2 hours before your scheduled c-section (see above). 
  • We will offer you a drink and food when you are in recovery. Our goal is for you to have a normal meal as soon as you are ready.
  • We will help you get out of bed as soon as you can.  
  • We will take out your urinary catheter as soon as you are walking safely.
  • We will give you scheduled pain medicines by mouth. We can give you more medicines as you need them.
  • We encourage skin-to-skin bonding time with your baby in the recovery room, and even in the operating room when possible. This will help your baby’s breathing, temperature, and heart rate. It can also help with breastfeeding if you plan to breastfeed your baby. Your partner may also enjoy skin-to-skin bonding with baby.

Washing your skin at home before surgery:

  • Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) given to you:
    • Soap
    • Wipes
    • Not applicable
  • Studies have shown many diseases can be prevented or controlled by doing good body washing.
  • Washing with Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) helps remove germs that may cause diseases.  Please wash with this the day before and day of your surgery.

Before you take a bath or shower:

  • Read the instructions given to you by your health care provider.
    • Be sure to read all the directions and warnings on the product label.
  • Start washing your skin as directed.

How do I shower before my procedure?

  • Wash your face and hair with your normal soap and shampoo before you use the CHG soap. 
  • Use a clean washcloth or your hands to clean your skin with the CHG soap. 
    • Use enough CHG soap to cover the skin on your whole body. 
    • Use the same amount as you would with your normal soap.
  • Do not use the CHG soap on your face, eyes, ears, head or vulva. 
  • Do not scrub your skin too hard. 
    • Be sure to clean your abdomen with CHG soap for at least 60 seconds.
  • Do not wash with your normal soap after the CHG soap.  
  • Keep away from the water stream when you put CHG soap on. This keeps it from rinsing off too soon. 
  • Rinse your body well. 
    • Do not wash with your normal soap after the CHG soap.  
  • Pat yourself dry with a clean, soft towel. 
  • Put on clean clothing.
  • Do not put on any deodorants, lotions or oils after showering. These might block how the CHG soap works.

What else should I know?

  • Use anti-bacterial Dial® soap if you are allergic to the CHG soap or do not have CHG soap.  
  • If you are washing at a sink or bathtub, make sure it is clean before washing yourself. 
  • Wear comfortable clothing to the hospital. Review the list of what to bring to the hospital. 

Call: 

  • Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ***
  • For urgent questions or concerns on nights, weekends, and holidays call:
  • Call Labor and Delivery at 319-356-2615 right away if you are 20 to 37 weeks pregnant and contractions start. You may be in preterm labor if you have 4 or more contractions in 1 hour.

Do not send a MyChart message for urgent questions. You will not get a response on nights, weekends, or holidays. It may take 2 to 3 business days. Please call if you have an urgent concern.