When is a C-section Advised?
A doctor will recommend a C-section if they anticipate problems with a natural delivery. The mother may have had a difficult birth previously or the baby may be larger or the mother petite, which could cause the doctor to have concerns.
When a woman is giving birth to twins or if she has high blood pressure or diabetes, the doctor may recommend a C-section for a safe delivery of the baby. If she has an STI, a C-section could protect the baby.
The Good and Bad of C-sections
One of the primary benefits of a C-section is that it provides for a safe delivery of the baby if the mother cannot have a natural birth. It can also reduce the timeline for labor and allows the mother along with her doctor to determine when birthing will happen.
The downside of a C-section is that it is major surgery, which means a longer recovery time. It also means it will take longer for her to wake up and be able to hold and nurse her baby. She will feel soreness for longer than with a natural birth. The mother is at a greater risk for infection and for suffering injury to the bladder or bowel.
Other concerns include blood clots, infections and other issues with anesthesia. The mother also has a greater likelihood of needing a C-section for future pregnancies.
How a C-section Impacts the Baby
If a C-section is necessary to deliver the baby safely, it’s obviously the only and safest choice. However, it doesn’t come without risks. Infants born by C-section have a greater risk for breathing problems after birth and even during their childhood.
A baby can get cut during the surgery, though the risk is small. The infant can also be injured during a vaginal birth. If delivery is difficult, the baby could suffer a fractured collarbone or bruised scalp. They can also be injured as the doctor attempts to assist with a natural birth. It’s not always easy to get the baby in the correct position if they are breech. Many birth injuries which occur happen during natural birth.
How to Decide
If the C-section is an emergency procedure, no decision is necessary. It becomes the only option to protect the mother or the baby. However, if you are deciding ahead of time which method is preferred, talk to your doctor about your particular situation. Ask them about the risks for you and your baby with either method. Only then can you make an informed decision for the safest delivery possible for you and your child.
