Call the Midwife's Helen George reveals why she opted to have an elective caesarean

Call the Midwife's Helen George has revealed that she opted to have an elective caesarean when she welcomed her first child.

The actress gave birth to a baby girl - who she named Wren Ivy - in October, and now she's opened up about the experience.

Speaking to Radio Times, Helen said she opted to have an elective C-section because of the 'horror stories' she heard about birth on Call the Midwife.

'I haven't spoken about this before… but I chose to have a C-section. It coincided with the fact that I had to deliver her early, but even without that, I would have gone for an elective caesarean because of what I'd learnt on Call the Midwife.

'Working on Call the Midwife means that lots of people tell you their horror stories about birth', she said.

Adding that she's not against natural birth, Helen said that choosing to have a C-section was the right decision for her but it's not the 'easy way out'.

'I'm not against natural birth, I'm pro whatever you feel is right for you. Some people may not understand why I elected to have a C-section, but it was right for me at the time', Helen said.

'It's not because I'm "too posh to push", it's about what I think my body is capable of. I'm not good with pain... I faint when I stub my toe.

'Not that a C-section is the easy way out. It's a major operation. I have a large scar on my stomach. You can't exercise for a long time and you need help to pick up the baby.'

Helen revealed that she had welcomed a baby girl with a series of cute snaps of Instagram, including ones of the lovely little family are the baby shower her friends had planned for her.

She captioned the picture: 'When your baby turns up early for her own baby shower, welcome to the world little one. What an amazing day, we have the best friends 💕💕💕'.