There are two ways in which a woman can deliver a baby – naturally (vaginally) or through a cesarean section also called c-section. Statistics show that the number of c-section cases has risen dramatically in recent years. In the US, this method is used in one out of four births. The question is whether this method is suitable for you.
The cesarean section involves the making of incision across the mother’s belly and uterus. The baby is delivered through the cut. Since this method is not natural and involves certain risks, doctors recommend that it is used only when there are medical reasons for this. Consider these reasons as well as the risk involved.
Reasons for Cesarean Section
There are some cases in which doctors recommend c-section before the delivery date due to medical reasons related to the health of the baby or the mother. If the baby is not in the natural position for birth with its head down and the due date is approaching, this method will be suggested to the pregnant woman. This method is often recommended in case of a multiple pregnancy (with more than one baby).
If the mother has heart disease or can pass an infection to the baby when it is going through the vaginal canal, then this childbirth method will be used. Women who have had a c-section before will most likely have to rely on the same technique for a delivery in the future. This is because there may be a risk of uterine scarring and rupture during natural childbirth.
In some cases c-section may be necessary due to problems that arise during labor. The main reasons for going for this procedure include slow and difficult labor, labor which has stopped completely, the baby being in distress, risk for the life of the baby due to issues with the placenta or the umbilical cord and the baby being too big to be delivered vaginally.
Cesarean Section Risks
Thanks to the advancement in modern medicine the level of risk for the mother and the baby during a c-section has been reduced to the possible minimum. However, it has not been eliminated completely. That is why it is important to be aware of the main dangers.
Some of the major risks for the mother include anesthesia related problems such as nausea and vomiting, heavy bleeding, blood clots in the legs and/or lungs, injury and infection of the incision and/or the uterus. The main risks for the baby are injury and breathing problems if the childbirth has occurred before the due date.
It is best if cesarean section is done only for medical reasons.
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