Reasons for a Caesarean Section
By: andrew001whiteTotal Views: 238, Word Count: 543,
There are various reasons why a caesarean section is done. Sometimes, the foetus will not fare well if put through the stress of a vaginal delivery. Sometimes, the caesarean is done to protect the mother from unnecessary harm.
A caesarean delivery may be planned in advance when certain conditions are known. In some cases, if problems arise, the decision is made during labour.
Reasons for doing a caesarean
- Failure of labour to progress - About one third of caesarean sections are done because labour does not progress normally. In a normal labour, as the pains get more frequent and stronger, the cervix will gradually open till the baby can pass through. In some women, there may be a failure of labour to progress. This means that the cervix does not open normally. If this is because of poor contractions and labour is progressing slowly, the obstetrician can speed labour with medication. It may take a number of hours to determine whether labour is progressing well or not.
- Foetal distress - This is one of the common reasons for a caesarean section. The heart rate is monitored periodically during labour. When there is an abnormal change in the baby’s heart rate, it could indicate that the baby is having trouble during labour and may need to be delivered by caesarean birth. A slow heart rate could be caused if the umbilical cord is compressed or there is no enough blood flow to the baby from the placenta.
- A large baby - When there is a misfit between the size of the mother’s pelvis and the size of the baby, it can result in cephalo-pelvic disproportion (CPD). In simple terms, this means the baby is too large to fit through the birth passage. Occasionally, the baby may be of average size but the mother may be small built and may not have enough space for the baby to fit through.
- Breech presentation - Norm ally by 37 weeks, the baby is in a head down position. About 4 percent of babies will not get into this position. They will come down into the pelvis with their feet or their buttocks presenting first. This position is called breech. In such a case, an obstetrician may suggest a c-section.
- Problems with the placenta - If there is problems with the placenta such as placenta previa and placenta abruption, then a caesarean section is required. Both these conditions can cause heavy bleeding.
- Previous caesarean section - Having a caesarean section with a previous pregnancy plays a part in whether you will need to have one again. But it does not mean that you will need to have a caesarean section.
- Multiple pregnancies - Most women carrying twins can usually have a vaginal delivery. A caesarean delivery may be required if the babies are preterm or if the first twin is not in a head down position.
- Maternal infections - Maternal infections such as herpes or HIV may require a caesarean section.
About the Author
Andrew White, leading gynecologist, has written a number of useful blogs and medical journals on women health. He is an advisor with Association of Women Health, in USA.
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