What are the general anaesthesia effects on my C-section baby?

A C-section, or caesarean section, is a surgical way to deliver your baby. Instead of delivering your baby vaginally, the surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen and womb to bring your baby into the world. Sometimes, this method is planned ahead of time (called an elective C-section). Still, it can also happen during an emergency to ensure the safety of both you and your baby (an emergency C-section).

When a mother needs a C-section, doctors might use general anaesthesia to make sure she is completely asleep during the procedure. Let’s explore what this means for you and your baby.

General anaesthesia is a special type of medicine that puts you into a deep sleep so you don’t feel the surgery. Unlike other types of anaesthesia, such as a spinal or epidural, which numb only the lower part of your body, general anaesthesia affects your whole body.

General anaesthesia differs from regional anaesthesia, which keeps you awake while blocking pain in a specific area. General anaesthesia is used less often during C-sections, but it might be chosen for certain situations where you or your baby (or both of you) need quick or more extensive care.

General anaesthesia is usually reserved for special circumstances, including:

• Emergencies: if your baby needs to be delivered immediately to avoid risks.

• Medical conditions: if you cannot receive regional anaesthesia due to certain health issues.

• Surgical needs: when a more complicated surgery is required for a safe delivery.

Your healthcare provider will always explain why this choice is best for you and your baby, based on your circumstances. Your medical team will carefully walk you through every step so you’ll feel supported, confident and secure.

When general anaesthesia is given, a small amount of medicine is delivered through a mask or directly into your bloodstream. It works quickly, helping you fall asleep within seconds. While you're asleep, the anaesthesiologist closely monitors you and your baby to ensure everything is going smoothly.

Recovering from general anaesthesia takes a little longer than regional anaesthesia. You may feel groggy, but you’ll soon feel like yourself with rest and support. Breastfeeding is safe, and you can usually start as soon as you feel ready.

Naturally, as a mother, you might wonder how general anaesthesia could affect your baby. Here’s what you need to know:

• Immediate effects at birth: sometimes, babies may seem a little drowsy right after delivery. This happens because a small amount of the anaesthesia passes through the placenta.

• A test is done one minute and five minutes after birth to check the baby’s health, including breathing, heart rate and reflexes. This is called the Apgar score, and it's a very reliable test. Babies born under general anaesthesia might have slightly lower scores initially but usually recover quickly.

• Breathing support: in rare cases, babies might need help with their first breaths, but neonatal teams are always prepared for this.

It’s comforting to know that these effects are usually temporary and have no lasting impact on your baby’s health.

Your healthcare team is dedicated to keeping you and your baby safe. They use advanced monitoring tools and techniques to minimise risks. Remember, millions of healthy babies have been born via C-section under general anaesthesia, and serious complications are very rare.

Scientific studies show that babies delivered under general anaesthesia develop just as well as those delivered with other types of anaesthesia. While the initial drowsiness may seem concerning, research confirms that it does not affect long-term brain development, growth or learning abilities.6

Your baby’s safety is the top priority. The anaesthesiologist carefully controls the amount of medicine given, ensuring it is just enough for the procedure but not too much for the baby. After birth, the neonatal team provides immediate care to support your baby’s transition to the outside world.

Bonding with your baby after surgery is one of the most special moments for a mother. Even if you’ve had general anaesthesia, there are plenty of ways to connect with your baby and ensure they feel loved and secure. Let’s explore these steps in more detail.

Skin-to-skin contact is a beautiful way to bond with your baby. As soon as you feel comfortable after the surgery, your healthcare team can help place your baby on your chest. This simple act has powerful benefits:

• Promotes bonding: feeling your warmth and hearing your heartbeat helps your baby feel safe and calm.

• Regulates temperature: skin-to-skin contact helps your baby maintain a healthy body temperature.

• Boosts breastfeeding success: being close to you encourages your baby’s natural feeding instincts. Don’t worry if you struggle at first: in South Africa, 1 in 2 mothers who had a C-section face delayed breastfeeding10.

Holding your baby close is comforting for both of you. Even if you can’t hold your baby right away due to grogginess from the anaesthesia, your partner or a loved one can provide this contact until you’re ready.

A baby’s first hours outside the womb can feel overwhelming for them, but your loving care helps them adapt. Caring for your baby after surgery is not just about physical closeness—it’s also about building an emotional bond. Speak softly to your baby, sing lullabies or simply gaze into their eyes as you hold them. These small acts nurture your connection and remind them of your love.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or emotional after surgery, remember that this is normal. The hormonal changes and recovery process can affect your mood. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings with your partner, family or healthcare team—they are there to support you.

Balancing recovery and baby care can feel challenging, but a few practical tips can make things easier:

• Ask for help: let your partner, family or friends assist with diaper changes, burping and other baby care tasks while you rest.

• Take it slow: don’t rush into activities and give your body the time it needs to heal.

• Focus on nutrition: eating balanced meals and staying hydrated helps you recover faster.

• Rest whenever possible: nap when your baby naps to regain your strength.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your baby.

In these first few days, every moment spent nurturing and bonding with your baby lays the foundation for a strong and loving relationship. By embracing these small but meaningful steps, you’ll create a warm and secure environment for your little one as you both begin this beautiful new chapter.