What to Wear For a Cesarean Section

Maybe you have a planned c-section or you’re just wondering what you might need to change into if you have a c-section? I’m here to give you the skinny on what you CAN and can NOT wear for a c-section — and what to consider about your own “outfit” choices.

BUT before we get too far into this — grab my best c-section tips right here:

Note: I do hear that some hospitals do this differently. I’ve worked at 3 hospitals and seen numerous labor nurses discuss this on different platforms — so, I’m just giving you the info I know. HOWEVER if you have a planned c-section and you’re wanting to wear your own things into the operating room (called the OR) it doesn’t hurt to give them a call and ask. You won’t be bothering them, they’re happy to share as they know you’re nervous about it.

Bonus tips on if you go on a hospital tour and can ask these types of questions in person — but I know that’s not always an option.

One of the hospitals I worked at actually had a pamphlet that providers gave to patients (or, we’d give them out on our tour) who were scheduled for a cesarean just on what to expect at it — it was super helpful. SO, just ask. We really do want you comfortable.

AND if you REALLY want to be prepared for a C-section I recommend this.

What to Wear in a C-Section

First off, you have to realize that there are 3 distinct parts to your c-section:

• Pre-op, where you’ll hang out while you’re waiting for surgery
• The actual surgery
• Post-op (called PACU) where you’ll hang out after baby is born

While most people tend to wear the same thing for all 3, there is more leeway in pre-op and post-op as you’re not in the actual surgery.

The Main Concern of Clothes in Surgery

Metal.

And, why is that?

(this next paragraph isn’t for the faint of heart — so if you’re not feeling “sturdy” enough to read it feel free to skip it — but I do want to give you the reason)

During most surgeries (especially in cesareans) they use something called cautery. That takes electricity and burns the ends of any open blood vessels to stop bleeding. The tip of the instrument is placed on the vessel, and then we place a “grounding pad” on you that allows the electricity to flow out of you. During this time if it comes into contact with metal that is next to your skin it could cause burns.

Because of the possible chances of burns, we try to remove any metal in contact with your skin — that includes:

• Metal snaps or clasps on items
• Underwires in bras (although most are contained and not touching the skin)
• Jewelry including rings and piercings

I have seen people who are unable to remove rings have them covered in paper tape or something like that — but they prefer they’re not on you.

Some new grounding devices say jewelry does not need to be removed, but in my experience it is up to anesthesia what they will let you wear/not wear and they vary by person. So, in general (and for your safety) you need to plan on no metal in the OR.

While we’re here — here’s a few posts that might help you out at this stage:

• Do You Wear A Bra During Labor?
• Tips if you can’t get your ring off
• Your Guide On What To Wear In Labor & Delivery And Your Hospital Stay

So, what should you wear?

If you want a bra (and I will say the vast majority of people do not) make sure it’s a sports bra type without clasps or any issues that could impede you. We’ll talk more about this in a minute though — so keep reading!

Personally, I would wear the hospital gown for a variety of reasons:

In the OR we spend a lot of time cleaning the surgery site — and gowns can get the cleaning solution we use on your skin on it. This can be even worse than blood to get out of a garment… Think Iodine or something along those lines.

Here’s another paragraph you might not want to read — but it’s the truth (and not as gory as the one above):

In the OR you’re basically naked once we get going. We lift that gown up to just under your breasts. It’s important that your entire abdomen is cleaned well with the solution and nothing is on it. At this point in time your spinal (or you’ll have general — more on c-section anesthesia here) will have kicked in and you’ll be VERY numb. You won’t really have any feeling below your breasts anyway….

So, what you wear may not matter as much.

Also, snaps are VERY important in surgery. I know this sounds dumb, but needing to thread lines through a shirt or even your bra becomes tedious and it takes up time that we might need to do otherwise.

The hospital gowns have the snaps, and sometimes even a pocket up top that anesthesia uses to hold things (like a syringe they’re going to use next). The snaps are plastic, so we’re assured there will be no issues with that.

Also, snaps allow us to undo the gown for you to do skin to skin if you’re up for that (but I find a lot of moms aren’t super into it — so just go with how you feel).

FYI we do try to keep you as covered as possible as long as we can. BUT, once the spinal is in we have a job to do and the gown has to be lifted in order for us to do it.

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What to wear if you DON’T want to wear the hospital gown?

If you don’t want to wear the hospital gown, check with your facility. I’ve heard some require you to wear theirs due to the nature of surgery.

BUT if you can wear your own:

• This one seems like a great, cheap option you won’t mind throwing away if it gets dirty.
• While these are a bit more expensive I’ve seen them and can vouch that they’re great.
• There are other more expensive gowns that could also be nice. If you feel like it’s worth it than just proceed with the awareness it could get VERY dirty. You may prefer to have it on postpartum….

I would also really consider what you want to wear AFTER your surgery. You’re likely going to be at the hospital longer, and once you’re getting up I think that your own clothes/gown can make you feel SO much better in the hospital (more human, than a patient).

Check out my post on postpartum pajamas that has some great options!

Pro Tip: You’ll likely have your IV in for about 24 hours (possibly more) after the surgery, so something with snaps is still REALLY helpful for everyone involved, but it can be navigated otherwise.

Can I Wear Underwear During my Cesarean?

The bad news, no.

We need access to that area to put in your catheter (and it is REALLY hard to try to take your underwear off after you’ve had your spinal put in — it could hurt you or the nurse doing it). We sometimes also need access to that area to possibly push baby’s head up, or place medications if you’re having bleeding issues.

Also, we clean that entire area as we prep for the surgery, so another reason it needs to be off.

So, no undies during the surgery

That doesn’t mean you can’t wear them in pre-op. We normally aren’t doing exams (unless you’re in labor and that’s a whole other bag of chips). We also try to put underwear on you fairly soon after your spinal wears off to hold pads in place.

I have definitely had patients ask to keep underwear on until we are going to the operating room, and I was happy to comply (a few we forgot and then I took them off before they go their spinal done).

Can a Wear a Bra During a C-section?

You likely can — but it needs to not have any metal in it. I’d recommend a sports bra if you’re really married to this idea. Be aware that some hospitals may have a STRICT rule of no bra’s in the OR though. So, always best to check in (and be as kind as possible) in advance.

The bad news is that a lack of clasps means that it can be hard to latch baby on afterwards if you have a sports bra on.

If at ALL possible I’d say to go without it — it will be easier for you and the staff, but if you REALLY want it on make sure you have one without metal.

I think there are nursing bras with plastic clasps, and that would be a good option as well. I think these would actually be a great option if you’d like to have it when you’re there. This is what Amazon has for nursing bras with plastic clasps.

Please remember that anything you wear into the OR does have the chance of needing to be cut off if we’re in a bind. It’s SUPER rare, I’ve only done it a couple of times (and I felt awful) but it does happen….

What will I wear if it’s an emergency C-section?

In general still the same. Anesthesia might be as picky about getting your bra/jewelry off (they may also tape it as we’re preparing the room if it can’t come off easily).

We’re even less careful about garments when it’s an emergency and there is a really good chance they’ll get dirty with cleaning solution or other fluids during the surgery though. So, just FYI.

What else will I wear during a C-section?

Great question — you’ll normally also have on:

• Some grippy socks to keep your feet warm (feel free to wear your own but these may also get VERY dirty when you get up the first time)
• A thin bonnet hat to keep your hair out of your face/sterile field
• Some “booties” that pump-up to keep blood clots at bay
• And obviously, the hospital gown.

I usually gave my patients the option to either ride the gurney back or to walk to the OR. Probably depends on how far away you are from the surgery.

If there’s something you’d like, or would prefer not to do you can always ask. While some things are done in a very specific way for safety. Some have a lot of leeway in them and we want you to have as much control over it as you’d like.

I think that’s one of the most important things to know about cesarean sections. It IS major surgery and there are things we do in the OR that are for safety. Things like counting — you’ll hear LOTS of counting, and the room temperature. It’s all for safety.

BUT we can play music, or get you a warm blanket (and sometimes even warm IV solution) if you’re cold. We really can work AROUND the things that are there for safety.

Remember, that our routine allows us to provide a great cushion of safety for both you and your baby. It is why, in general, a C-section is very safe to do. We do a LOT of them, and are very prepared to help you all out!

I’m really glad you’re here learning about c-sections with me. But this is just the tip of the iceburg. If you’re planning on a C-section (or are even just aware it’s a good option for you) I think taking a prenatal class that covers c-sections is imperative. I recommend this one. It’s for both of you and I think you’ll both feel so much more comfortable having some knowledge on the subject.

If you want JUST info on C-sections (if you feel like you’re already a labor pro) — check this out. It’s JUST the C-section chapter from my class.

What should my partner wear in the surgery?

They will wear the clothes they came to the hospital on, with a “bunny suit” on over them — or some paper scrubs. I recommend them wearing something light and thin, so they’re not super hot or constrictive as they’re in there.

They’ll also wear a hat, a mask, and some shoe covers. We basically want all of their germs to stay with them, so they’ll be all covered — same for the staff as well. We’ll have hats, masks and boot covers on as well.

So, hopefully that answered any questions you have about what to wear in a C-section. Please do get prepared for the WHOLE thing. People love that section of The Online Prenatal Class for Couples, and I also have postpartum tips for C-sections in my postpartum chapters as well. Recovery is a whole other part of this process — so being prepared for that can help a lot too!

And if you’d like to a “vibe check” on me — grab my insider tips, where I give you some of my BEST tips for labor (great for both c-section and vaginal births).