A few days ago I posted about the pros and cons of going VBAC. Thinking about it today got me thinking, what are the pros and cons of going for an elective C-section.
Someone women choose to have others have no choice but to have one. I think I may more likely fall into the choose to have one. If you have read my blog before you'll know that the idea of a VBAC scares me, even with having looked up the pros and cons of it.
Ok so I'm going to start with reasons why you would have to have an elective section.
Reasons for an elective C-section
- You previously gave birth by a caesarean and it is felt that it would be safer for you to do so again.
- Your baby is too big or your pelvis is small for a successful vaginal birth.
- Your baby is breech.
- Your baby is in the transverse position - meaning your baby's shoulder is more likely to enter the birth canal first.
- Some medical conditions - such as diabetes, or high blood pressure, these can put you at greater risk during vaginal births.
- Placenta praevia - this is where is the placenta covers part or all of your cervix.
- Placenta dysfunction - this is where your baby is no longer getting oxygen and nutrients he she needs. Depending how far along you are he she may be better of out then in.
- Antepartum haemorrhage - this is where you have been bleeding heavily during the pregnancy.
- Previous vaginal tear - depending on how bad the tear was sometimes it is safer to have a caesarean rather try for another vaginal birth.
- Infectious disease - such as HIV and herpes.
- Pre-eclampisa - if it threatens the health of your baby your baby may need to be delivered quickly.
I think if I feel into any of the things listed it maybe the first point mentioned. I had my EMCS in February this year and funny enough I am due on the same date I had my section. So only a year apart.
Although planned we never thought for a second that it would happen as quickly as it did.
There are many pros and cons for a caesarean. Trying look them up proved difficult. I found quite a lot of sites that mentioned the risks but not many actually listed the pros and cons. So instead of listing the pros and cons, because everyone has different opinions what on the pros and cons actually are, I thought maybe listing the risks instead maybe a better idea.
Never know might change my mind and make me want to try for a VBAC we'll see as I read and write the information I find.
The information I find has come from babycentre.
Lets start with is a caesarean safer then a vaginal birth?
Usually if there have been no complications with your pregnancy or labour then a vaginal birth is safer. This would make it safer for future pregnancies and your fertility. ( I think this is more for if you have not a caesarean before)
Of course one of the first things we are told about caesareans, is that it is a major operations to your tummy and pelvic area. Complications can happen, not to say it happens often, I'm pretty sure the risks of complications are small. But it is also something we need to be aware of when going for a caesarean.
That being said a caesarean more so if planned is common and a safe procedure. As you may know if your last birth was by caesarean it is usually needed to safe the life of the mother or baby.
Sometimes it is not clear whether a virginal birth would be safer then a caesarean, Cases like these it's up to you and your doctor to weigh up the risks and benefits of going for a caesarean, and to decided what would be better for you.
What are the risks of a caesarean?
This is something we all need to be aware when making the decision, and to be honest it's not something I have put much thought into.
Pain - Of course there is going to be pain. Not during the caesarean it self but after. There is some discomfort during the caesarean not going to lie about that, but it's just pulling and tugging.
It takes longer to recover after a caesarean then it dose a vaginal birth, that to be honest you don't need to be a genius to work out. You are given pain relief to reduce the pain and discomfort after the caesarean, and it will be hard to move around for a few days or weeks.
Infection - dose not happen often, but can happen. This next bit I have heard mixed things on, so I am guessing is different every where, but it's on the site I am getting my information from so it dose need to be mentioned. If not all, some places give you a single dose of antibiotics before the operation. This is to reduce the risk of infection.
It is important you tell your midwife if you have heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding, smelly discharge or a fever. These can be a sign of infection and is always best to be checked.
Blood clot - Any operation rises the chance of a blood clot. Depending where the blood clot is, It can be serious. You are usually given treatment to prevent your blood from clotting. You are also encouraged to move about, this is to help with recovery and to prevent your blood from clotting. It is said the sooner you move about (not too soon mind you) the easier and faster the recovery will be.
I think when it comes to caesareans on thing that crosses our mind the most is, will my baby be ok?
The answer to that is that your baby is likely to be perfectly well. Some do have breathing problems but usually this is not serious, this is most likely to happen if baby is premature.
I have found a little section about the advantages of having a caesarean.
These include:
- Being planned means you know when your baby will arrive.
- You won't have contractions.
- You are less likely to leak wee when you cough or sneeze.
- You usually don't bleed as heavy (remember though I said earlier that heavy bleeding can be a sign of infection, so if you are ever worried about it get it checked out just to be on the safe side.)
One thing that comes up often is pelvic floor exercises. I mentioned it in the post about pros and cons of a VBAC. No matter how it is you end up giving birth, it's important to do them. The pelvic muscle can become weak in pregnancy.
On a personal note, how ever you chose to give birth or how ever you give birth, it dose not make you any less of a mum. The scar from a caesarean is just a mark of love.
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