Obstetric Surgical Services

Our service supports patients needing or planning to have an elective Cesarean section procedure.
​If you are having a planned Cesarean birth at BC Women’s Hospital, also called an elective C-section, your doctor will pre-book your surgery date as part of the Obstetric Surgical Services program. You will be admitted to the hospital on the date scheduled for your baby's birth.

Referral information

To refer a patient to the Obstetric Surgical Services program, obstetricians need to fill in a referral form. Find the form on our referral page. 

Only doctors and midwives who deliver babies at BC Women’s Hospital can arrange for their patients to have their baby here. If you have a family doctor or midwife, they need to refer you to an obstetrician linked to BC Women’s who will perform your Cesarean birth. If you already have an obstetrician, they have to fill out the referral form.

Appointment details 

Your obstetrician's office will be notified you about your surgery date. A few days before your surgery, we will email you your arrival and surgery times. The email will also include information on how to prepare for your surgery, what you can eat and drink, and what you can bring to the hospital.  

Please note, you can only choose from the dates listed by your obstetrician on the operating room booking form. If you have any concerns about specific dates, please discuss them with your obstetrician before they submit the form. You may not decline a surgery date for personal reasons. 

We conduct elective C-sections Monday to Friday; excluding statutory holidays.

Contact us 

Phone: 604-875-2985 
Fax: 604-602-8642 

To check in, go to entrance 97 (Urgent Care Centre) with your picture ID. 

Please call your surgeon’s office if you have questions about your surgery.

Resources

If you are considering a planned Cesarean section, you can get some further information from our elective Cesarean section video​.

Wound infection care

If you think you have an infection following your Cesarean section, please review the following information. 

Contact your maternity care provider if you have the following symptoms:
  • Discharge or liquid coming out of incision  
  • Incision that is opening up  
  • Redness or swelling  
  • Pain that is getting worse  
  • Fever (increased body temperature) 
Please call your provider or come to the BC Women's Urgent Care Centre if you have any of the following: 

  • Fever greater than 38°C/100.4°F 
  • Problems such as severe pain or heavy bleeding 
  • Worried about a C-section infection at night or on the weekend​​