Planned caesareans are usually done using local anaesthesia, either an epidural or a spinal block. These types of anaesthesia completely block feeling from the waist down and you will stay awake during the operation. You may need a general anaesthetic if you need to have an emergency caesarean. This means you will be asleep during the operation. You may also need a general anaesthetic if you have a planned caesarean e. g. if you have a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia).
Attribution: BUPA