Cesarean deliveries carry benefits and risks that should be examined carefully prior to making a decision.
Aside from the medical benefits associated with a cesarean delivery, women opting for this alternative may be afforded a multitude of other advantages. When the procedure is scheduled (as is typically the case when choosing a c-section), the woman is able to prepare for the delivery and her consequent absence from home and work. A cesarean section also imposes less physical intrusion, which can be appealing to some mothers. A straight incision is made just above the pubic bone""resulting in a nearly-invisible scar""and the vagina remains fairly tight and isn't cut to allow for passage of the infant's shoulders. It is also speculated that vaginal deliveries, and the sometimes inevitable use of forceps and vacuum suction, can result in pelvic floor damage, perineal trauma (from episiotomy) and tissue damage, so expectant moms may prefer a cesarean to avoid these painful and embarrassing conditions. Older women are often attracted to the idea of avoiding hours of painful labor and subsequent exhaustion. They are also more prone than younger mothers to rectal herniation after vaginal delivery.
The pros and cons of a cesarean birth should be weighed carefully before a decision is made. While there certainly are benefits associated with c-sections, it is also a major surgery and it, like any other procedure, carries risks. For instance, a mother may experience prolonged bleeding; cesareans often result in almost twice the blood loss of vaginal deliveries. She may also temporarily lose bowel control or acquire an infection of the uterine tissue (endometriosis) or surrounding organs. Rarely, women undergoing a cesarean suffer from damaged blood vessels, kidneys, bladders and complications from anesthesia including low blood pressure and pneumonia. Because many muscles are severed, some women lose a significant amount of abdominal strength. Women are also much more likely to be rehospitalized following a cesarean delivery than they are following a vaginal birth. Additionally, they are at greater risk of experiencing placenta previa, a condition that causes the placenta to attach closely to the cervix, resulting in the premature delivery of the placenta. Furthermore, women who undergo unexpected cesarean are put at an increased risk for depression and post-traumatic stress.
Cesareans can also be harmful to the baby.If the procedure is scheduled (does not follow the onset of normal labor) and the due date calculated incorrectly, the infant could be born prematurely. It's also always possible that the surgeon may accidentally nick the baby when making the incision.
The appropriateness of cesarean delivery is different for each mother. Some may opt in as a safety precaution, others for convenience or cosmetics, and some may experience emergent medical problems that leave them no choice. It is important, under any circumstance, to weigh the options carefully to ensure a safe and healthy delivery.
