With advancement in technology many women are opting for C-Section. DR BRIGID MONDA shares on the pros and cons for the mother and baby
More women are opting to have their babies through a cesarean section rather than vaginal birth giving rise to the phrase ‘too posh to push.
Also known as a C-Section, simply explained this is the delivery of a baby through a long cut in the front lower part of the abdomen.
The origin of the term Cesarean section is uncertain. That Julius Caesar was the product of a cesarean birth is thought to be untrue because majority of mothers died after a C-Section in ancient times and his mother, Aurelia, was very much alive after his birth.
A C-Section is a major operation and several things are considered when a doctor decides whether it is necessary or not but it is always supposed to be about what is best for the mother and her baby.
Most often a C-Section is performed as an emergency when complications develop during labour and vaginal delivery poses a risk to the mother or baby. Some of the other reasons include previous surgery on the uterus, such as that for removal of fibroids, a mother infected with HIV, or one with large genital warts or acute herpes outbreak. CS reduces the risk of the infected mother passing on these infections to her baby. CS is also considered when mother has extremely high blood pressure or if the baby is too big to pass through the mother’s pelvis, for twins especially for first time mothers.
It is also considered for babies in breech presentation or bottom first, for feotal distress, when the placenta begins to separate from the uterine wall before the baby’s born (placenta abruption) or if the cervix is covered by the placenta and blocks the baby’s exit (placenta praevia).
A pediatrician is always present during a CS so as to examine and assist the baby, if necessary, immediately after birth. A hospital stay after cesarean birth is usually three to four days but the length of your stay may depend on the reason for the C-Section in the first place.
Having repeat C-Sections is much safer than it used to be thanks to new procedures and growing technology in the world of medicine.
Doctors put the safe limit for repeat C-Sections at three.
One of the risks associated with repeat cesareans is the wall of the uterus giving way during subsequent pregnancies due to the scar tissue on the uterus from your past sections.
