Having a Caesarean Section Delivery

Actually in the medical world, Caesarean Section is more appropriately categorized as another way to give birth – other than a vaginal birth – if it is found strong indications where it’s the best way to save the mother and the baby.

It is better to choose Caesarean section if there are medical indications that indicates how this method is best to be done. Some medical indications to perform Caesarean section are:

the mother indications: eclampsia (convulsions in pregnancy), narrow pelvis, placenta covering the birth canal, cardiac abnormalities in the mother, delivery jams, heavy bleeding during pregnancy, infections in the uterus, the uterine wall thinning due to previous cesarean section or uterine surgery, tumor in uterus , in the ovary, or in the vagina that blocks the birth canal.
the baby indications: fetal distress, big baby, baby lying crosswise, conjoined twins, hydrocephalus fetus.

However, nowadays for many couples Caesarean section is no longer an “emergency exit”, but rather a choice.

Since 1996, in the United States alone, the rate of Caesarean births increased by more than 40 percent. It was 30 percent in Europe, while in Latin America and some Asian countries increased by 50 percent. Nowadays, there had been other tendencies for cesarean delivery indications. And, there are also many indications that are not in accordance with the medical indications.

So what are those indications? Here are some:

The husband is too worry and thought that his wife is unable to give birth normally
Husband fears that the wife’s vagina to become loose
History of infertility
The desire to pick the time and date of birth

In addition, there are also other factors. It involves the wrong understanding of mother. Let’s say, the believes that it feels more comfortable giving birth by caesarean section because it won’t hurt, a perception that caesarean section is safer than natural childbirth, and the belief that cesarean delivery can make babies smarter. In addition, there is also the fear of vacuum or forceps action in normal deliveries, and fright of stuck baby’s head during delivery.

Which One is the Best?

When it’s seen from the perspective of the money cost, then a caesarean delivery is much more expensive compared to a vaginal birth. If it’s viewed from the viewpoint of “created” birth, it is only by Caesarean section a mother / father can set a date for the birth of the baby, but as a parent of course you want the best not only for you and your husband but also for the little child.

So, which of the two was the best method of delivery? Actually, the selection of delivery method is very important, since it is closely related to mortality and morbidity for both mothers and newborns.

Delivery by cesarean section has 3 times greater risk of mother’s death than normal deliveries. The direct mortality rate due to Caesarean section is approximately 5.8 per 100,000 births.

Not only that. Cesarean delivery also appears to have a higher morbidity rate of 27.3 percent if compared to normal deliveries that is only 9 percent.

Here are the details of an increased risk of morbidity for pregnant women due to cesarean delivery compared with vaginal delivery:

5 times greater risk of cardiac arrest
3 times greater risk for removal of the uterus (hysterectomy)
3 times greater risk to become infected during childbirth
2.3 times greater risk of anesthesia complications
2.1 times greater risk of excessive bleeding which often leads to the removal of the uterus
1.5 times longer staying at the hospital

Risk for the Babies

Are those the only risks? They are apparently not. The increased risk is not only occur to the mother, but also to the infants. Risks occurred to the newborn by caesarean delivery are 3.5 times greater than normal deliveries. Risks that may be obtained by babies born through Caesarean Section are:

The risk of death to infants
The risk of infant respiratory problems
The risk of infant trauma

Well, seeing the above explanation will certainly make you think twice to choose a caesarean delivery if there is no medical indication found, right? However, don’t look down upon the significance of a cesarean delivery. If your doctor thinks it is the best way for you and the baby, why should not performing it?

5 Post-Surgical Things to Avoid

According to Roger W., MD in his book: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy Harms, there are post-Caesarean Section things that you should avoid:

Sexual intercourse. It is until the doctor / medical personnel handling your post-operative care declare that you are in a “safe” state to do it.
Avoid taking a bath in hot tubs or swimming pools until you are fully recover.
To lift anything heavier than your baby.
Ascending and descending the stairs repeatedly.
Doing exercise. It is until your health care provider stating you are allowed to perform this activity.