It is common for a pregnant woman to hear more about the benefits and risks of a C-section vs. normal delivery when her due date is approaching. She may have many concerns about which procedure would be the best for her and the little one. Knowing how and why the procedures are done can help her anticipate what will happen and reduce anxiety and fear. Vaginal delivery is recommended if there are no indications for C-section delivery. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle from the time you conceive may increase your chances of vaginal delivery. However, you may have to choose the delivery method suggested by your doctor based on obstetric indications. If your doctor determines that vaginal delivery is unsafe due to certain specifications or complications of your pregnancy, a C-section may be recommended. Read on to know more about the benefits and risks of a C-section compared to normal delivery.
Vaginal Delivery
The most common option for delivery, vaginal delivery is known to have fewer risks than a c-section. According to the WHO, 70% to 80% of pregnant women who enter into labor are at low risk and can probably deliver vaginally. That’s perhaps why vaginal delivery is often called normal delivery (1). It is also considered as the natural birth procedure because the labor starts on its own, signifying that the baby is ready to come into the world. That said, not all normal deliveries may be safe. There may be certain limitations along with the advantages too, which we talk about next.
What Are The Benefits Of Vaginal Delivery?
For the mother
For the baby If there are any complications during labor, vaginal delivery can also pose risks for the mom and the baby.
What Are Possible Problems Associated With Vaginal Delivery?
For the mother
For the baby
Usually, vaginal delivery is safe for the baby. However, in rare cases (difficult birth, prolonged delivery, the baby is too large for gestational age), there could be risks of mild injuries that could be resolved a few weeks after the birth (10). In case there are more risks than benefits related to vaginal delivery, the doctors suggest cesarean birth.
C-Section Birth
Cesarean or c-section delivery is a surgical procedure, wherein an incision is made through the abdomen and uterus of the mother. When vaginal delivery is not considered safe, the doctor’s have to go with this method of childbirth (11) (12). Like vaginal birth, cesarean delivery also has its own advantages and disadvantages. More about it in the following section.
What Are The Benefits Of C-Section Delivery?
For the mother
- Reduced time: In recent years, the cesarean techniques have been simplified. The results are minimal loss of blood, shorter operating time, and higher patient satisfaction (13).
- Reduced risk of incontinence: There is no stretching or tearing of the vaginal with cesarean surgery, so there is a lower risk of pelvic prolapse, anal and urinary incontinence (14).
- Reduced risk of infection transmission: A few studies have found that there is no or reduced risk of transmission of hepatitis B virus or other infections to the infant with the elective cesarean procedure. This risk is high in the case of vaginal deliveries (15).
For the baby
What Are The Possible Problems Associated With C-Section Delivery?
For the Mother
For the baby
Ideally, you should discuss your pregnancy with your doctor and weigh the pros and cons of each method. If your pregnancy is progressing smoothly and the doctors see no risks, then vaginal delivery is recommended. If not, the doctor would suggest a cesarean. While a c-section is safe, some expectant mothers would prefer a normal delivery. If you too want to avoid a c-section birth, continue reading and know what you can do about it.
How Can You Improve Your Chances ?
Planning and maintaining a healthy lifestyle right from the time you conceive can help you avoid a c-section birth. Here are some tips that you can follow for that. In the next section, we have some common questions about normal delivery vs. cesarean answered for you. What were your delivery experiences? Do share them with us in the comment section below. Whatever procedure you choose, the goal should be the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.
