Expectant parents have a lot of choices to make. What will the baby’s name be? Will baby have a pacifier? Cloth or disposable diapers?
One thing that may or may not be a choice for parents is whether the birth is vaginal or by Cesarean section (C-section).
The safety of the mom and the baby is the priority during childbirth. Although vaginal birth is usually preferred (two out of three births are vaginal), if a vaginal birth is unduly risky for a medical reason, the health care provider may discuss a C-section with parents.
C-section may be prompted by a medical emergency such as when there is a threat to the life of the baby or the mother. Examples of this are if baby is not getting enough oxygen or if the labor is not progressing.
It’s important to note that C-section does have risks. It is a major surgery that involves making a cut (incision) in the pregnant woman’s abdomen and removing the baby from the uterus.
When a mother has a C-section for her first birth, her desires and plans for her subsequent births have to be discussed with her provider.
Birth is a normal, physiological process.
An advantage to a vaginal delivery is that the recovery and the hospital stay after a vaginal birth is typically shorter than after a C-section. For a vaginal birth, the hospital stay is typically 24 to 48 hours. For a C-section, the stay can be up to four days.
After a vaginal birth, mom is usually able to hold her baby and start nursing sooner after delivery.
During vaginal delivery, skin and tissue around the vagina will stretch and may tear as the baby moves down through birth canal. If tearing occurs, mom may need stitches. Without stitches, the tearing can negatively affect urine and bowel function which happens more frequently after vaginal birth.
A vaginal birth may leave mom with some pain in the perineum — the area between the vagina and anus.
Mom and baby will be able to have contact with one another sooner after vaginal birth. Skin to skin contact and breastfeeding typically can both start sooner after delivery than with a C-section.
A vaginal birth can help squeeze fluid out of baby’s lungs. This reduces the incidence of breathing problems for baby.
During vaginal birth, baby receives a helpful dose of good bacteria. This helps boost baby’s immune system and protects the intestinal tract.
A potential but rare downside of vaginal birth is that the baby (especially if large) may experience injury such as temporary bruising to the head or a fractured collarbone during delivery.
The advantages for having a C-section are limited. One benefit is that the birth can be scheduled in advance allowing for time to be controlled and predictable.
After the first C-section, the likelihood of a repeat C-section will need to be discussed with the health care provider. Some moms attempt a vaginal delivery with their subsequent pregnancies which is called a Trial of Labor after Cesarean.
The hospital stay after C-section is longer than the stay after a vaginal delivery.
Recovery time after a C-section is longer. The risk for discomfort after the birth is greater due to normal and expected surgical pain along the incision and abdominal soreness. These discomforts can last for several months.
There is an increased risk for rupture of the C-section scar during subsequent deliveries and subsequent pregnancies. There is also an increased risk for placental abnormalities.
With a C-section, mom has a higher risk for blood loss and infection. There’s also a higher risk for injury to the bowels or bladder and for blood clots. The risk of the death of the mom due to blood clots, infections and complications from anesthesia is three times greater with a C-section when compared to a vaginal delivery.
C-section moms typically start skin to skin contact and breastfeeding later.
There is an increased risk of stillbirth associated with C-section.
The risk for breathing problems, such as asthma, is higher which continues from infancy into childhood.
Research has found a possible link between C-section birth and the risk for childhood and adult obesity which may be a result of the higher incidence of C-section among moms who are obese or have pregnancy related diabetes.
What type of delivery will you have? The trends show about 32 percent of deliveries are by C-section.
What time of day will baby arrive? The highest percentage of births happen during the morning and midday.
Compared to vaginal deliveries, C-section deliveries were less likely to occur during the evening and early morning.
If you’re thinking about having a baby, it’s important to get guidance from a qualified health care professional. Choose a provider who makes your feel comfortable and who will work with you to have a healthy pregnancy right from the start.
If you haven’t chosen a health care professional for your pregnancy, we can help you find a provider that fits your personal needs.
A growing number of women are choosing to partner with a midwife for gynecological care, family planning, birth control, prenatal care, labor and delivery care, and postpartum care. The midwife provides one-on-one coaching and support throughout your pregnancy and after.
A choice for where to have your baby is a birthing center. It can give you a comfortable, caring atmosphere for your labor and delivery. A birthing center can be a homey place to welcome your new family member.
If you’re planning a baby or expecting and have any questions about the process, be sure to visit with your health care provider. A lot of resources are available to help you!
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