Right now, you're likely to have a lot of questions. Once your concerns are eased, you can look forward to what's really important -- the birth of your baby.

In most cases, a cesarean is not expected. A cesarean may be needed because of concerns about the baby, the mother, or the baby’s passage through the birth canal.

Whether a cesarean is scheduled or not, the preparation is nearly the same. Often, your partner can stay with you for most of this time.

You will receive regional or general anesthesia, depending on how quickly your baby needs to be born.

In a cesarean birth, incisions are made in both the skin and the uterus. Either incision may be transverse (from side to side) or vertical. Your skin and uterine incisions may differ.

When the cesarean is over, you may be moved to a recovery unit or taken back to your room. Your baby may be taken to the nursery. After he or she has been observed for a little while, your newborn may join you.

After birth, most women shake and get chills. This is over quickly. Your temperature and blood pressure will be watched until they are stable. Sanitary pads absorb the discharge of the uterine lining.

Use this time to rest and ask questions. If your hospital offers classes on breastfeeding or newborn care, you might want to attend.

If you are having triplets or more multiple births, your doctor will perform a scheduled cesarean delivery. If you are having twins, your doctor will discuss with you options for delivery.