There are a number of claims that appear to support the idea that routine c-sections are safest even if there are no medical indications to suggest that surgery is necessary.
Claim: C-sections are safe - Although modern surgical techniques and patient monitoring make today’s c-sections safer than in the past, vaginal delivery in most cases is far safer than c-sections for mother and baby. A c-section is major abdominal surgery that can pose a risk to the baby as well as her mother.
Claim: Elective cesarean is best for mother and baby - In fact the best case scenario is for the child to be born vaginally, the way nature intended birth to occur. In most cases a vaginal delivery should be the ultimate goal for all pregnancies.
This is not to say that c-sections should never be done. Prompt surgery for a problem that develops can save lives can save lives. For instance if there are multiple babies or the baby’s head is too large to pass through the birth canal then a c-section should be done.
Claim: Otherwise healthy women who deliver vaginally are at risk for incontinence issues later in life - The fact is that this can happen whichever method of birth is used. However use of he Kegel exercise can at least alleviate the problem and medications can help. You don’t want to undergo major surgery to prevent something that “might” happen.
Let’s look at some of the reasons put forth as responsible for the increase in c-section deliveries in the states.
There has been a reduction in educating women about the benefits of vaginal deliveries for most women and in the use of doulas (labor coach) to lower the stress and fear. Lack of attempts to turn mal-positioned infants using “hand to belly” movements, which can reduce the need for surgery, is also a factor.
Many people don’t realize that certain side effects of traditional labor interventions. For instance labor induction in first time mothers before the cervix is soft or dilated, put a woman at an increased risk for c-section.
There is some evidence that continuous electronic fetal monitoring may also increase the risk, as will giving an epidural early in labor without a concurrent high dose of pitocin.
Some health care providers don’t inform their patients who have had a previous c-section that it is possible to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). A survey of past c-section patients found most were not told it may be possible to deliver vaginally despite the surgery. Statistics are the same for those who have had past breech presentations.
There seems to be a casual attitude towards surgical intervention among health care providers, hospital administrators, insurance companies and some women.
Convenience for either the H.C.P. or the patient is another reason that medically unnecessary c-sections are performed. Maybe the mother wants her baby born on a certain date, or before some big event that she wants to attend and the surgeons and health care providers go along with this.
The public at large has a limited awareness of the danger to babies and their mothers from c-section surgery. Babies can suffer cuts during the surgery, are more prone to breathing problems, have difficulty with breast feeding and asthma.
The mother is at increased risk of future ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa, placental accreta, or placental abruption and uterine rupture. All of which can be potential problems to both the mother and infant.
All of this is important for women to be aware of, so that they can make informed decisions as to whether or not they should have a cesarean.
Despite the information in this article there are definitely times and situations that demand a c-section. Such as if f the patient has placenta accreta, where the embryo implants too deep in the uterine wall and can’t move into the birth canal. Or if the placenta tears away from the wall (placenta abruption), a c-section is necessary and hopefully a life saver in these cases.
Nobody is saying that a c-section should never be performed. However, health care providers, hospitals and women need to take a look at the rising number of c-sections being done for somewhat trivial reasons and get back to the c-section being the safety net for pregnancies in trouble.
It is strange that insurance companies won’t pay for an extra day in the hospital but will pay for a c-section because you want to have the baby on a certain day so you can go on a cruise or your doctor has planned to attend an out of town conference.
One more thing, if you have had a c-section in the past, don’t let anyone convince you that this means you must have one this time. That is a myth! Many women have had successful vaginal deliveries after having had a c-section.
It is something to be discussed with your doctor. If he suggests a c-section ask him to explain his reasons why it should be done and why you shouldn’t have a vaginal delivery and what risks that would be to you and for your baby. Only then should you consider going along. If you have any doubts get a second opinion and then make your decision.
