Planned Caesarean Section pros and cons
By: sandra003thomasTotal Views: 425, Word Count: 586,
Unlike Vaginal delivery, caesarean delivery is not a natural birth process. The pros and cons associated with a caesarean section are discussed below.
The advantages of a caesarean section are:
- The mother will be less anxious and stressed about labour. Also the baby’s delivery date is scheduled ahead of time therefore making it convenient for the mothers.
- A woman with a planned caesarean section can plan things well, in terms of her maternity leave, baby’s nursery etc.
- Post term pregnancies can be avoided with a planned caesarean section. Usually a caesarean section is done in the 39 or 40 weeks of pregnancy.
- The chance of a postpartum hemorrhage is less with a planned caesarean section when compared to a vaginal delivery or unplanned c-section. The chances of a uterine atony are less with a planned caesarean section.
- Planned caesarean section stand a lower chance of complications when compared to emergency c-sections, such as infections, lacerations to the baby, anesthesia related problems and accidental injury to abdominal organs.
- If the mother is suffering from an STD or infection such as hepatitis, HIV or herpes, then a planned caesarean section will reduce the risk of infecting the baby.
- With a planned caesarean section you are at a lower risk of trauma such as swelling or bruising associated with birth.
- Women who have had a caesarean section report fewer urinary incontinence post delivery.
The disadvantages of a planned caesarean section:
- A caesarean section is a major surgery that is done with anesthesia and comes with its own set of risks and complications. Some of the side effects of anesthesia are headache, nausea and vomiting.
- A caesarean section requires a longer hospital stay and a longer post partum period.
- Women with a caesarean section are at a greater risk of serious health complications such as heart attacks, wound hematoma, blood clot in the veins, endometriosis infection, excessive bleeding or hemorrhage, numbness or pain around the scar, postpartum infection.
- In a complicated caesarean section, the surgeon could accidentally cut your bowels or bladder.
- With a caesarean section you will lose more blood than a vaginal delivery. Some women may even require a blood transfusion.
- Babies delivered through a caesarean section, are at greater risks of a respiratory problems.
- With a caesarean section, you are at a greater risk for developing placenta previa or placenta accreta in your subsequent pregnancies. A previous caesarean section also increases your risk of a uterine rupture.
- Women who’ve had a caesarean section find breastfeeding very difficult. After surgery, women do not have immediate contact with the baby.
- Your baby may suffer cuts during the surgery. The doctor’s scalpel may accidentally cut the baby.
- Babies born through a caesarean section are at higher risks of contracting infections.
- Caesarean section babies are at a higher risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension.
- An elective caesarean section is far more expensive than a vaginal birth and not all health insurance providers cover caesarean sections in their plan.
About the Author
Sandra Thomas is a practicing gynecologist based in Denmark. She has been contributing to the field of Women Health and Maternity issues since ten years.
Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote