would you pick a c-section or a vaginal birth?

04 Mar 2010

4 Mar, 2010 urinary incontinence surgery

I am in the 3rd month of my first pregnancy and am worried about the effects on a woman from giving birth vaginally. Before I thought much about it I thought, "of course, I’ll have an unmedicated vaginal delivery, because that’s the best way to go." But the more I read the big, long-term empirical studies with thousands of women in them, there seems to be a strong correlation between vaginal delivery and urinary incontinence and/or vaginal prolapse in a woman’s later life. Now of course many women who give birth vaginally don’t have these problems! But the literature seems to suggest that they are more prevalent in women who did so vs. c-section delivery, and that the WORST outcomes are in women who try to give birth vaginally end wind up having to have a c-section or forceps delivery anyway. Furthermore, I have also read a good bit about vaginal tearing and fecal incontinence, as well as loss of sexual sensation in women who have complicated vaginal deliveries. It makes it sound like it might not be the best bet for a woman, if she can avoid it, all "natural" considerations aside.

I want to make it clear that I am not concerned about the pain associated with vaginal birth. I am concerned about the long term effects on my health. My doctor is willing to perform an elective c section and I have confidence that he is more than capable of performing this (after all) pretty standard operation, but ya know, it’s major abdominal surgery too, with risks and potential complications of its own.

In fact when I asked my doc which was better, he said, "It’s basically a wash – there are benefits and drawbacks of each." I am interested in the reactions of others to this statement since I know elective c sections are both controversial and on the rise. Did you go one way, and wish you’d gone the other? Were you happy with your choice? Let me know how you view this option.

The risks that carrys from a vaginal birth are much lower than from csection not to mention the pain and the fact that you will have to fight for a vaginal birth (if you decide) with your next child as some doctors will not like to do VBACs. What you outline of the risks that a vaginal delivery can cause like prolapse, incontinence (which can also just come from age with a women who has never had kids) and loss of sexual satisfaction are all quite low. I myself have had two drug-free births and my first i tore and needed 6 stitches and my sex life had never been better and then i had my son which i had a small tear and graze with no stitches needed and my sex life is still great. As for the incontinence that can help helped a great deal by doing your pelvic floor exercises/kegals regularly during pregnancy and after and right through your life to help prevent this from happening. I don’t do them too much and sometimes experience a little bit of a leak if i sneeze if i have a full bladder but sometimes people who have never had children get this or even women who have had a csection as the pelvic floor has a lot of strain on it just from the pregnancy its self.

A complicated vaginal delivery all depends on many things but most of it starts from little interventions or just lack of knowledge on the mother behalf. Things like an assisted delivery by forceps or ventouse or very preventable. The key is KNOWLEDGE!
Here are just a few…..
# Follow Optimal Fetal Positioning during your third trimester to avoid your baby getting in a bad position which can highly effect how the labour can go and sometimes make it a harder labour ending up with forceps or ventouse
# Do NOT push on your back. Being on your back makes your pelvis much smaller and makes the chances of your baby getting stuck much much higher as they will often get stuck behind your coccyx bone. Being upright opens the pelvis right up and it is also easier for you to push and reduce the chances of tearing. Squatting can open up your pelvis by a major 30%
# Have an active birth. This means you do not get confined to the bed with monitored and that you get upright, change positions, walk around, go in the shower, hop in the tub, lean over a birthing ball
# Choose the right OB or even better to choose an independant midwife or care lead by midwives as the lowest rates of intervention happens at home with private midwives and with midwifery-led care, and the highest rates of intervention happen in private hospitals with private Obstetricians. However this is not to say that you can’t have a natural birth in a hospital – you just need to prepare yourself and your support team very well and be prepared to firmly stand your ground.
# Just get knowledge in general. Do your research. The more knowledge you have the more equiped you will be on how to have the best birth possible and how to avoid nasty interventions which you may constantly hear about.

I highly suggest you read
"Ina Mays Guide To Childbirth"

A MUST watch doco is
"The Business of Being Born"

and a great website (even though Australian based) which is full of wonderful information many women do not hear or learn about through their pregnancy….
http://bellybelly.com.au/articles/birth

TrackBack URI | RSS feed for comments on this post

13 Responses

Invisible Pink ~ RN
2010 Mar 05 1

I would never elect to have major surgery if I didn’t have too -

Its hard enough caring for a newborn – but add the recovery of major surgery no thanks!

Vaginal deliveries are much easier to recover from -

Go on youtube and type in c-section in the search box – this might give you a whole new perspective

I’ve never suffered from any after affects from my vaginal births – my c-section sucked!!
References :
Catt
2010 Mar 05 2

http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20080904/c-section-affects-moms-response-to-baby

Yes, they is a connection to those illness’s with natural child birth, but I think if you read more, you will see it’s talking about women that have lots of babies in a short period of time.
If you ever saw a doctor perform that operation, you would think he’s the meanness person on the planet. The are not gentle at all.
References :
ilikerice
2010 Mar 05 3

First and foremost, don’t let anyone try to tell you your wrong for having an elective c-section. The whole point of labor and delivery is to get the baby out in one piece. Does it really matter how it is done? No, I don’t think so. I think that as a mother- to-be, you should be comfortable with the whole experience and if you feel comfortable with a c-section the go for it. Yes, there are drawbacks but like your doctor said, there are drawbacks to both vaginal and c-section births. I had intended to do it the old fashioned way in the beginning just as you had with no pain meds or anything. Then I found out that I have gestational diabetes and my baby is measuring pretty big. On top of that he is breached and my doctor doesn’t think he will turn because he’s already dropped and my fluid levels, though normal, are on the low side of normal. That being said he wants to side with a air of caution and scheduled me for a c-section for the safety of me and my baby. Though it wasn’t my original plan I am glad that there is an option for a c-section because without it my son may have some complications upon delivery. Next time I have a baby I will be having an elective c-section becuase I don’t consider the benefits of a VBAC to outweigh the risks. Anyway, why have stitches in both my stomach and my vagina.
References :
36w 4d pregnant, having a scheduled c-section
Melody
2010 Mar 05 4

I have done both and would say go with natural and then if it gets to painful go ahead and do the epadurial. I did that and now due to other health problems and my small size I have had 3 c-sections. But it is all up to you on what you do but natural is easier to recoperate from.
References :
emily
2010 Mar 05 5

I think a natural birth is better because first, you don’t look like a coward giving birth, plus if you have a c-section, every time you get pregnant, c-section is the only way to have a baby.
References :
my brain
Sophia
2010 Mar 05 6

You obviously have no idea about the risks for you and your baby with c-section. You are worried about the long term health effects for yourself with a vaginal well have a look at the website below and it will give you a new understanding on what is involved with a c-section. Elective c-sections should be for women with medical reasons only. You are not only putting yourself at more risk but also your baby and any babies you might have in the future.
Below are just some of the problems with c-sections

Physical problems in mothers: Compared with vaginal birth, cesarean section increases a woman’s risk for a number of physical problems. These range from less common but potentially life-threatening problems, including hemorrhage (severe bleeding), blood clots, and bowel obstruction, to much more common concerns such as longer-lasting and more severe pain and infection. Even after recovery from surgery, scarring and adhesion tissue increase risk for ongoing pelvic pain and for twisted bowel.

Hospitalization of mothers: If a woman has a cesarean, she is more likely to stay in the hospital longer and is at greater risk of being re-hospitalized.

Emotional well-being of mothers: A woman who has a cesarean section may be at greater risk for poorer overall mental health and some emotional problems. She is also more likely to rate her birth experience poorer than a woman who has had a vaginal birth.

Early contact with, feelings toward babies: A woman who has a cesarean usually has less early contact with her baby and is more likely to have initial negative feelings about her baby.

Breastfeeding: Recovery from surgery poses challenges for getting breastfeeding under way, and a baby who was born by cesarean is less likely to be breastfed and get the benefits of breastfeeding.

Health of babies: Babies born by cesarean are more likely to:
be cut during the surgery (usually minor)
have breathing difficulties around the time of birth
experience asthma in childhood and in adulthood.

Future reproductive problems for mothers: A cesarean section in this pregnancy puts a woman at risk for future reproductive problems in comparison with a woman who has a vaginal birth. These problems may involve serious complications and medical emergencies. The likelihood of experiencing some of these conditions goes up sharply as the number of previous cesareans increases. These problems include:
ectopic pregnancy: pregnancies that develop outside her uterus or within the scar
reduced fertility, due to either less ability to become pregnant again or less desire to do so
placenta previa: the placenta attaches near or over the opening to her cervix
placenta accreta: the placenta grows through the lining of the uterus and into or through the muscle of the uterus
placental abruption: the placenta detaches from the uterus before the baby is born
rupture of the uterus: the uterine scar gives way during pregnancy or labor.

Concerns about babies in future pregnancies: A cesarean section in this pregnancy can affect the babies of future pregnancies. Studies have found that they are more likely to:
be born too early (preterm)
weigh less than they should (low birthweight)
have a physical abnormality or injury to their brain or spinal cord
die before or shortly after the birth

ADDITIONAL: Just check out the website below and you will see the cons for vaginal birth vs c-section.
33 cons for c-section 4 cons for vaginal birth…..big difference!

Its totally your choice obviously but I just wanted you to know the risks because doctors these days give out c-sections like they were lollipops. I have had to go through 2 emergency c-sections and it was so traumatic. I didnt get to see my baby till the next day because he had breathing problems and after I had infections and healing was long and painful. Years after I am still having abdominal pain from adhesions. I am trying to go VBAC at the moment but not a lot of doctors will do it. So to have that option is a blessing trust me!
References :
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10166
Julie
2010 Mar 05 7

Never to a C-section. Our bodies were designed to deliver babies! Studies or not. If you care for your body, you may not even encounter the issues that you are mentioning above. I have had 6 pregnancies even twins. All natural births, only one epidural for the twins as baby B as breech and the Dr. preferred me being ready for a possible C-section. I have none of the problems. I think that my recovery for my twins was my easiest! I nursed all my babies too. Please give yourself a chance and think about future pregnancies as well as repeated c-sections are not recommended either. You have plenty of time to think and decide..but do remember that women have been given birth for centuries!!
Good luck to you..
References :
Jodina
2010 Mar 05 8

I would choose a vaginal birth birth over c-section any day.

I have had two c-sections. My second child I laboured for 24 hrs and would not progress past 8 cm. So I ended up having an emergency c-section.

I would go through that labour over and over if I did not have to have another c-section.

C-sections permanently change your body. It causes problems with pregnancys afterwards.

Our bodies were meant to and built to have vaginal deliverys. C-sections are becoming an unhealthy fad. I would much rather risk having some pee leak out than having to have my stomach and uterus cut open again.

Good Luck with your decision.

P.S. Going through a vaginal delivery will make you feel like such a powerful woman to have gone through all that pain and made it. Also I would rather go through HOURS of pain of labour than deal with the pain of a c-section afterwards while trying to care for a newborn.
References :
~*Mama-of-Two*~
2010 Mar 05 9

I have had both and vaginal is the best way to go. A c-section is a major surgery. It takes much longer to recover and is more painful. The health risks to the baby are higher. My son swallowed fluid and was put into NICU. A woman’s body was made to deliver babies vaginally. A good doctor would never give you an elective c-section. The things you mentioned about complications with vaginal delivery are very rare.
References :
Candice Arabella due 4/07/2010
2010 Mar 05 10

If I had the chance to give birth naturally over having a c-section I would take that chance to give birth naturally any day. Giving birth vaginally is actually healthier on the baby as well as the mother(assuming that labor is going well and there is not complications). With a c-section they have more of a chance of coming out not breathing because the stuff that is in their nose and throat isn’t being squeezed out as would happen with a vaginal delivery.

A c-section has the risks of cutting into the bladder as well as the intestines. The mother could be very allergic to some of the medications that they give to you during the surgery, the baby could be allergic to some of the medications. You have a WAY longer recovery time….most people think that a c-section heals within a couple of weeks….in some cases, yes that is true, in other cases though many women end up with infections or other complications and it actually takes MONTHS to heal.

After a vaginal birth you are more then likely able to leave in a day or two, able to eat as soon after you give birth as you want, you have a shorter recovery time, plus the biggest benefit I believe that a vaginal birth can give you that a c-section can not is that fact that you have the bonding time through giving birth then assuming everything is fine with the baby after birth you have that chance of holding your baby right after giving birth. After a c-section you have to wait a while before you can hold your little one, and those first few minutes is more crucial for bonding then any other time in the baby’s and your life!!
References :
Kama Sutra
2010 Mar 05 11

I’m a BIG baby when it comes to pain and I’d STILL opt for the vaginal. The recovery/healing process is faster, for one. And I can honestly say I just don’t want to be cut open if I don’t have to be. An episiotomy can/will always help to minimize, if not totally alleviate, tearing. I have 3 girls and delivered them all vaginally. My last baby tore me but, that was partly my fault. I didn’t ask for the episiotomy. A lot of doctors think b/c its not your first birth you SHOULD stretch easier…WRONG. As long as you get an episiotomy and epidural you shouldn’t have a problem delivering vaginally… in MY opinion.
References :
Mother of 3 girls and another on the way.
The_Sage_Mother
2010 Mar 05 12

The risks that carrys from a vaginal birth are much lower than from csection not to mention the pain and the fact that you will have to fight for a vaginal birth (if you decide) with your next child as some doctors will not like to do VBACs. What you outline of the risks that a vaginal delivery can cause like prolapse, incontinence (which can also just come from age with a women who has never had kids) and loss of sexual satisfaction are all quite low. I myself have had two drug-free births and my first i tore and needed 6 stitches and my sex life had never been better and then i had my son which i had a small tear and graze with no stitches needed and my sex life is still great. As for the incontinence that can help helped a great deal by doing your pelvic floor exercises/kegals regularly during pregnancy and after and right through your life to help prevent this from happening. I don’t do them too much and sometimes experience a little bit of a leak if i sneeze if i have a full bladder but sometimes people who have never had children get this or even women who have had a csection as the pelvic floor has a lot of strain on it just from the pregnancy its self.

A complicated vaginal delivery all depends on many things but most of it starts from little interventions or just lack of knowledge on the mother behalf. Things like an assisted delivery by forceps or ventouse or very preventable. The key is KNOWLEDGE!
Here are just a few…..
# Follow Optimal Fetal Positioning during your third trimester to avoid your baby getting in a bad position which can highly effect how the labour can go and sometimes make it a harder labour ending up with forceps or ventouse
# Do NOT push on your back. Being on your back makes your pelvis much smaller and makes the chances of your baby getting stuck much much higher as they will often get stuck behind your coccyx bone. Being upright opens the pelvis right up and it is also easier for you to push and reduce the chances of tearing. Squatting can open up your pelvis by a major 30%
# Have an active birth. This means you do not get confined to the bed with monitored and that you get upright, change positions, walk around, go in the shower, hop in the tub, lean over a birthing ball
# Choose the right OB or even better to choose an independant midwife or care lead by midwives as the lowest rates of intervention happens at home with private midwives and with midwifery-led care, and the highest rates of intervention happen in private hospitals with private Obstetricians. However this is not to say that you can’t have a natural birth in a hospital – you just need to prepare yourself and your support team very well and be prepared to firmly stand your ground.
# Just get knowledge in general. Do your research. The more knowledge you have the more equiped you will be on how to have the best birth possible and how to avoid nasty interventions which you may constantly hear about.

I highly suggest you read
"Ina Mays Guide To Childbirth"

A MUST watch doco is
"The Business of Being Born"

and a great website (even though Australian based) which is full of wonderful information many women do not hear or learn about through their pregnancy….
http://bellybelly.com.au/articles/birth
References :
Have had two drug-free births in hospital which where wonderful, ecstatic unbelievably awesome and would do in a heartbeat and pregnant with my third and about to have a homebirth
Emily
2010 Mar 05 13

I had a C-section. It was terrible. There were no long term physical complications for me, luckily, but I will always regret to my decision to have a c-section. I had absolutely no control, i was flat on my back and the doctor never even spoke to me. My husband was out of the room grabbing a camera when our daughter was first born. I felt so disconnected from the whole experience. It was like I wasn’t even delivering a baby. After my daughter was born she kept choking on amniotic fluid. I got to see her for maybe ten minutes the night she was born and they took her to the NICU where they had to pump the fluid from her lungs and stomach because she was born via c-section, and didn’t have the "squeeze" required to push the extra fluid out. She was fine for a couple of days, then she stopped breathing one night when she was nine days old and we spent four days in the hospital. Then there was MY recovery, which was absolute hell. I was constantly in pain and couldn’t even hold my daughter while standing up for a couple of weeks. It was just awful. I am currently pregnant again and am doing everything I can to avoid another c-section. I know some people have them and love it and never look back, but if I were you I would highly recommend at least trying for a vaginal delivery. There are MUCH fewer possible complications from a vaginal delivery, trust me. Think of it this way, vaginal birth is a natural process, c-sections are most definitely not. There is SO much that can go wrong. My advice:avoid a C-setion.
References :
Mother of one, currently pregnant.
nursing student

Amazing Kegelmaster