As a mother-to-be, you have a lot of things on your mind these days. The desire to see the baby, along with a little fear and curiosity, are probably running through your mind. Meanwhile, the biggest question you have is, "Should I have a normal delivery or a cesarean section ?" Sometimes your doctor may have suggested a cesarean section. So, is this really the right option for you? Let's talk about this in detail.
Why is a C-Section necessary?
There are two types of cesarean sections. One is emergency. That is, if labor begins normally and there is a complication for the mother or baby, the surgery is performed immediately.
The other type is a planned C-Section . This is not an emergency. Your doctor decides in advance that surgery is best for a medical reason. You may have had a previous C-section. Or it may be because of the baby's position in the womb (for example, the baby's head is facing up).
However, sometimes mothers choose to have a cesarean section without a medical reason. Perhaps because they want to have their baby on a desired day, or because they are afraid of the pain of childbirth.
But keep one thing in mind. The world's leading gynecological and obstetrician associations (such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) do not recommend elective cesarean sections without a medical reason. You should think twice about this, especially if you are planning to have more children. Also, performing a cesarean section before 39 weeks without a medical reason is not recommended at all.
How will this surgery affect childbirth and you?
Although cesarean sections are now very safe, we should not forget that this is a major surgery . You will have a longer recovery time after a cesarean section than after a normal delivery. As well as your time in the hospital, you will need to rest more after you get home.
There are some risks that come with this surgery. These don't happen to everyone, but it's important to be aware of them.
| Who is affected by the risk? | What are the possible things? |
|---|---|
| To mom (to you) |
|
| For the baby |
What are the possible impacts on the future?
This is a very important point that many people don't think about, but if you are planning to have another child or multiple children, you should definitely talk to your doctor about this before having a cesarean section.
Impact on future pregnancies
After surgery, a scar is left on the uterus, which means there is a slightly higher risk of complications in future pregnancies.
- Placenta Problems: The placenta is the organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Sometimes, during a subsequent pregnancy, the placenta can become attached to the wall of the uterus, especially where there are old surgical scars. This is a slightly dangerous condition. This can cause excessive bleeding during delivery, and sometimes a hysterectomy may be necessary.
- Uterine scar rupture: This is very rare. However, there is a very small risk that the old surgical scar on the uterus will rupture during the next delivery.
- Next baby: Just because you've had one cesarean section doesn't mean you have to have your next baby by cesarean section. Sometimes you can have a vaginal birth (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean - VBAC). However, if you've had more than one cesarean section, having a vaginal birth can be risky.
Impact on the child's future health
Recent research has found that children born by cesarean section are slightly more likely to develop certain health problems as they grow up.
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Allergies
- Obesity
This does not mean that if you give birth by cesarean section, you will definitely develop this disease, but it does mean that the risk is slightly higher.
Think about these things before making a decision.
So, how do you make such an important decision? Don't panic. Talk to your doctor about all this openly. Here are some questions you can ask:
- Why does the doctor think I need a cesarean section? Listen carefully to understand the medical reason for it.
- If the reason is the baby's weight gain, how accurately is that weight calculated? Sometimes the weight reported in the `scan` reports can be slightly off from the actual weight.
- Do I have no other options? Ask if there is anything else that can be done for this problem without surgery.
- Can't we wait until 39 or 40 weeks? If the doctor suggests an early surgery, ask clearly why.
- If I don't have a cesarean section, what harm could happen to me and the baby?
- If I want to have more children, how will this surgery affect that?
- Do the benefits of surgery clearly outweigh the risks?
If, after discussing all this, you still have doubts, there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion from another doctor . That is your right.
Take-Home Message
- A cesarean section is a major surgical procedure, and it has its own benefits and risks.
- Surgery may be necessary for a clear medical reason. However, think twice about undergoing surgery without a medical reason, either for convenience or out of fear of pain.
- A cesarean section can affect your future pregnancies. This is especially important if you are planning to have more children.
- Never be afraid or anxious. Talk openly with your doctor about all your concerns and fears.
- Be well informed about all options, risks, and benefits before making a decision. Seek advice from another doctor if necessary.
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