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There are a variety of reasons that an expectant mother may need to have a cesarean section birth as opposed to a vaginal birth. In some cases, a C-section may be a medical necessity. In other cases, a C-section may only be recommended, or may even be elective. Below are some of the reasons that your health care provider may wish for you to have a cesarean section.
- You have previously had a C-section. However, this does not mean that you will definitely need to have a C-section. Many women who have had a C-section are able to have what is known as a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).
- Your baby is breech (feet down) or transverse (sideways). Here again, having a baby breech does not guarantee that you will need a C-section. Your health care provider may be able to perform an external version, in which your baby is turned around.
- There are problems with your placenta, such as placenta previa or placental abruption.
- The umbilical cord moves down into the vagina where it could be flattened or squeezed during delivery.
- You have certain types of infections. Infections that affect the genital area, such as HIV or genital herpes, create a risk of exposure for your baby during a vaginal birth.
- You have certain types of medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.
The fact of the matter is that a C-section is a much more traumatic experience for a woman's body than a vaginal birth. With a vaginal birth, your recovery time is measured in days. With a C-section, it is measured in weeks. A C-section is major abdominal surgery. In addition, there are certain risks having to do with the anesthesia that are present with a C-section. If your health care provider is recommending a C-section, you should make sure that it is truly a medical necessity and that all other options have been exhausted, and that the benefits of having a C-section will outweigh the risks of having a C-section.
| Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor. |
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