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Aim: to explore Hong Kong Chinese women's experiences and perceptions of elective caesarean section performed under regional anaesthesia. Design: an exploratory study using a qualitative approach. Data were collected by tape-recorded in-depth interviews two to five days after caesarean section. Participants: a purposive sample of 18 Hong Kong Chinese women having an uncomplicated, elective caesarean section under successful regional anaesthesia. Setting: a post-caesarean ward of a University affiliated District General Hospital in Hong Kong. Key findings: the three categories relating to the overall theme of Consciousness during Surgery were: Interacting with others, Experience of birthing, and Awareness of the environment. Implications for practice: the experiences of women, related to the general theme and categories cited above, affected their feelings of security and fulfilment. On the whole, women were satisfied with the regional anaesthesia, preferring to remain conscious throughout the surgery. They appreciated being able to interact with others and listening to music, but needed information regarding what was happening. Many were distressed by the sight and noise of surgical instruments, the narrowness of the operating table, the operating theatre lamps and the coldness of the theatre. Recommendations for practice are made relating to these issues.