5 things any mother-to- be- should know about Caesarean section

Dr Elly Odongo says that there are five things to keep in mind for any mother-to-be.

1. The obstetrician's role is to support the woman in the decision making process to choose a delivery mode based on information given and governed by medical ethics.

2. Do not be quick to reject emergency interventions because in some situations, it is the safest option.

3. When a woman is a low risk patient – delivering for the first time – there is reason to seek a second opinion when the doctor proposes a CS because the procedure affects the entire obstetrics career of the woman.

When the first birth is by CS, there is almost a 90 per cent chance that the next birth will be through the same procedure and thereafter, it rises to 100 per cent.

4. When one is expecting twins and the pregnancy is a.) Low risk b.) Twin one (first twin) in cephalic presentation; one can question the need for a CS.

5. Also, based on the knowledge and information given to the woman, if she feels that it is a "provider preference" Caesarean section, based not on existing circumstances, she can ask for a second opinion.