C-Section Vs Natural Birth: Everything You Need To Know

When choosing between C-section vs natural birth, it’s good to understand the pros, cons, and facts about natural birth vs C-section delivery.

“Congratulations, you’re pregnant,” is one of those statements that can make anyone emotional. Parenthood indeed is a blessing and pregnancy is among life’s most memorable emotional moments.

From the anticipation that goes while waiting for nine months to future planning, parents do it all. They start decorating the baby’s room, bring home all the things the baby would require and even decide on the name.

The hearts and minds of both parents are full of joy and they just can’t wait for the arrival of their little bundle of joy. However, before the big day – the arrival of your baby – comes, there is a question that baffles many parents, especially moms-to-be.

Normal delivery Vs C-section – which is better for me and my baby’s health? The choice between normal baby delivery and C-section birth or Cesarean is a difficult one to make.

With C-section getting more popular and more comfortable for the mother, many parents are going that route. However, for many reasons, there are parents who want to have a normal delivery.

In this article, we will list the pros, cons, and facts about normal baby delivery and C-section birth. Go through the information well and take an informed decision regarding your options.

Normal Delivery or Vaginal Birth

Vaginal birth is the natural birthing process and is highly recommended. Having the baby delivered naturally has many benefits for both the baby and the mother apart from the sense of accomplishment.

Benefits of a Vaginal Delivery

1. Quicker recovery time and less postpartum pain are associated with vaginal birth.
2. The hospital stay after a normal vaginal birth is shorter, typically 24-48 hours.
3. The baby is less likely to have respiratory problems such as TTN (transient tachypnea of the neonate).
4. Normal baby delivery has a decreased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborn babies.
5. Infants born from a vaginal birth are less likely to develop asthma or lactose intolerance in their life.
6. A sense of accomplishment and empowerment fills the woman after a normal delivery because she is an active participant and pushes the baby through the birth canal into the world.
7. Women who choose vaginal birth can breastfeed almost immediately.
8. Both woman and her baby are at a decreased risk of damage to internal organs, maternal haemorrhage, and blood clots.

Problems With Vaginal Delivery

1. A fear of vaginal birth can cause many women to experience anxiety.
2. In some instances, a woman can experience perineal tearing which can range from mild tearing to fourth-degree lacerations that can tear right through to the rectum.
3. Pain and stress accompany labour and there is no fixed duration of the labour
4. Many women who have delivered vaginally may experience bowel or urinary incontinence problems.
5. Lingering pain in the perineum (the area between anus and vagina) is also common among women after a vaginal delivery.

Caesarean or C-Section Delivery

C-section delivery is a surgical method of childbirth. It is done via a small incision in the abdominal region, penetrating the uterus to take out the baby.

It is preferred in cases when a woman has health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or HIV. Furthermore, during a normal baby delivery, if the baby is not getting enough oxygen, then an emergency C-section may be done.

Benefits of a C-Section Delivery

1. A planned caesarean is more convenient and comfortable for women as the date of delivery is fixed, and women are less anxious.
2. There are no sexual problems after a C-section birth.
3. There is a slightly less chance of the baby getting injured including damage to abdominal organs and lacerations.
4. The newborn baby is less likely to get affected by infections carried by the mother.
5. A decreased risk of pelvic floor injury is seen in women who undergo C-section delivery.
6. C-section delivery eases out the delivery process in case of multiple births such as twins or triplets.
7. If the baby is too large, a C-section delivery can ease out the birthing process.
8. In cases where there is a danger posed to the woman, a C-section becomes a safer option than vaginal birth.

Problems with C-Section Delivery

1. Since a C-section is major abdominal surgery, there can be surgical risks and complications.
2. Longer hospital stays, including a more extended postpartum recovery period.
3. Loss of more blood when compared to natural birthing. Some women may require a blood transfusion.
4. Babies delivered via caesarean section can have respiratory problems such as TTN.
5. A second caesarean section delivery can put the woman at risk of uterine rupture.
6. Women are at higher risk of wound hematoma where blood can clot under the abdomen, on the C-section site.
7. Women who undergo C-section delivery can have problems bonding with the baby and can have difficulty in breastfeeding.
8. Decreased movement for weeks due to stitches in the abdominal area.

Conclusion

The choice between normal delivery and a C-section is not entirely a woman’s choice. In cases where there is a substantial risk to the woman or her baby, the doctor will advise a C-section.

However, in cases where a woman is healthy and fit – a natural baby delivery is recommended. Sometimes a woman is unable to delivery naturally – which is perfectly fine and not something to be anxious about.

If you are still confused about which route to take, you can consult your gynaecologist for details you are seeking and to make an informed decision on a normal delivery vs C-section in India.

Remember, at the time of labour, the doctor may make the choice depending on the health of both baby and mother. It is always a good idea to listen to the doctor.

Visit Momspresso for advice on parenting, pregnancy, and everything related to motherhood, and to read the pregnancy experiences of other Indian moms.