Rates of delivery by caesarean section (CS) have steadily risen from 10% of all deliveries in the 1980s to a current figure of around 23.8%. Approximately 75% of CS are emergency procedures and only 25% are elective planned deliveries. When deciding whether to offer CS, it is important to consider the psychological implications for the patient as well as the physical and mental sequelae in future pregnancies. The updated NICE guideline helps clinicians to be consistent in the management of patients requesting and having a CS. [With external links to the current evidence base]