A cesarean section is a surgery done to deliver a baby. There are different reasons why a cesarean section may be needed, or chosen. Speak to your OBGYN to determine whether you may need a cesarean section or if you have any concerns.

Here are some of the reasons why you may need a cesarean section:

Multiple births may end up in a cesarean, depending on weight and position. Twins may be born vaginally, but triplets or more will likely be born via cesarean section.

Gestational diabetes may lead to a large baby, in which case you may have to resort to a cesarean section.

Breech position is when the baby is positioned with its bottom down rather than its head down. While a vaginal delivery is possible in some cases, there is a decreasing number of obstetricians who are experienced in these types of births. A cesarean is performed when baby is in distress or has a cord prolapse.

Cord prolapsed is when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix and comes out before the baby is born. This condition is dangerous to baby because as the uterus contracts it causes pressure on the umbilical cord which diminishes the blood flow to the baby.

The most common fetal distress is when the baby is not getting oxygen. This type of fetal distress is detected by fetal monitoring and will lead to an emergency cesarean.

If you have active genital herpes (an outbreak of genital herpes), you will deliver by cesarean section in order to prevent the baby from being exposed to herpes when passing through the birth canal.

It is normal to develop different fears during pregnancy, especially if it is your first pregnancy. After all, it is the first time you are growing a tiny human in your uterus, and everything is new. Though it is normal, and somewhat expected, there are fears you can avoid with a little research, which will actually help your pregnancy go smoother. Remember, fear can lead to stress, and stress is never good for you.

Many women are afraid of having a miscarriage. Though it does happen, you should know that most pregnancies end with healthy babies, and most miscarriages occur in the first weeks of pregnancy, sometimes before you even notice your missed period (in which case you don’t even know you miscarried).  You can lower your risk of miscarrying by avoiding smoking and alcohol, as well as cutting back on caffeine. Also avoid amusement park rides and ride a bicycle.

Fearing your baby will have birth defects is normal. It may help to know that the risk of your baby having birth defects is only 4%. Even if test results are abnormal, in many cases a follow up test result will return normal. If you have any general or specific concerns, speak to your healthcare provider. It is always helpful to be informed, and may reduce the stress and minimize your concerns.

Fearing childbirth is the most common fear, especially if it is your first pregnancy or if you have a difficult childbirth experience before. Taking childbirth preparation classes and learning about your options can help reduce the fear of the unknown.

An emergency cesarean section is something that many expecting moms fear. It may help to know that most cesarean sections are known in advance, even scheduled. If you will need a cesarean section due to breech baby, gestational diabetes or other complication, you will most likely know about it enough time in advance in order to get all the information you need.

Pregnancy is a miracle, though it can hold its share of fears. Knowledge is power, and will help you overcome some of the fears you may be facing. Speak to your spouse, your OBGYN and anyone else you feel can help relieve these fears. There is no shame in fearing the unknown or for your child’s well being, it only means you are realizing you are about to be a parent.

Congratulation!

While there may be circumstances beyond your control that lead you to deliver by a cesarean section, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of that happening over a vaginal delivery.

Your first step on the way to a vaginal delivery is selecting a care giver who is inclined towards vaginal deliveries. If you plan on staying with your OBGYN, check what his/her approach to childbirth is. If you are leaning towards a midwife, you are likely to have a vaginal delivery if no complications arise.

Unless your insurance restricts you to a specific hospital, check the rates of cesareans in hospitals in your area. If the hospitals do not publish this information, try to search the web for it, you may find it faster than you imagine.

If your pregnancy goes over 40 weeks, your healthcare provider may lean towards an induction. Try to avoid it for as long as you can, for if the cervix is not ready, jump starting labor may prove unproductive and lead to a cesarean section. An early epidural may also increase the chances of having a cesarean.

Labor at home for as long as you can. This way you will minimize the chances of being hooked up to fetal monitoring and having to go through other interventions that will keep you in your hospital bed and increase your discomfort as well as lead to a cesarean.

Take prenatal classes and learn what to expect, how to prepare your body for labor and how to handle labor pain. Write up a birth plan and don’t let the doctors force you into an un needed operation. At the same time, don’t fight them if an operation is needed to save your unborn baby.

A Few Words About Cesarean Section

A cesarean section is a surgical operation in which the mother’s abdomen and uterus are cut to allow the baby or babies to be taken out into the world. After the baby is out, the placenta will be removed and the incision is sewn shut. This operation was originally designed to be performed only if its benefits are grater than the risks.

More often than not, the medical system may prefer a cesarean section on a vaginal birth. The modern machinery and knowledge provides a safe option, which can be a used as a safe solution to any question mark or issue, as minor as it may be, that may arise before the delivery. This fact rises the percentage of cesareans, at times with no real reason.

Elective Cesarean Section

When a cesarean is planned in advanced (mostly for no medical reason such as risk to the mother or baby), it is called an elective cesarean, which means it is done out of choice. In an elective cesarean, the date is selected / scheduled in advanced by the doctor and there is no dependency in the start of contractions or any other factor.

Today, many women prefer to have an elective, pre scheduled and contraction free cesarean section operation even if there is no medical problem requiring one. Remember, the operation is in fact an operation, with risk of complications and a long recovery. At the same time, the objective for each birth is to deliver a healthy baby while keeping the mother in good health (physically and mentally), so if the end result is just that, an operation can count as a valid means.

Emergency Operation

At times, a complication in the process of a delivery that has started vaginally may force the medical staff to perform an emergency operation. If the emergency c-section is performed due to a fetus distress, you will most likely not have the time to understand exactly what happened and be a part of the decision making. If there is time, ask to take part in the decision making, and understand why the doctors think it is best to proceed this way.  Later, after the delivery, you will feel better knowing you took part in the decision making.

Father presence during the C-Section

In some hospitals the father is allowed to be present in the room for a cesarean section. Unfortunately, he will not be allowed in the room for an emergency operation.

Elective Cesarean Section Advantages

• Protects the pelvic floor, which prevents future problems such as uncontrolled urine leak, uncontrolled gas and the likes.
• Prevents fetus distress during delivery in case of an emergency cesarean.
• Prevents risks of forceps delivery to the baby and mother
• Minimize uncertainties – date, time, length of operation, are all known in advanced to the women & the medical staff, and allow them to prepare for it.
• Eliminates the possibility of passing the 40^th week with no delivery, which may introduce complications.

Elective Cesarean Section Disadvantages

• Chance of infection after the operation
• There is no delivery experience.