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Ivana Wright
Ivana Wright is a Student who enjoys writing on a variety of topics.
Having babies delivered by Ceserean section is now on the rise just like gas prices. Media outfits reported that more than 50 percent of pregnant women in the United States annually are opting to have a cesarean birth or having a baby through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus rather than through the vaginal. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) reported that 26.3 percent of women now have babies delivered by cesarian section in Canada alone. In Hong Kong the Cesarean delivery rate is 27 percent while in Brazil 32 percent.
In the past, a cesarean operation is only done when there are life-threatening complications surrounding a womanʼs pregnancy or when a babyʼs size becomes impossible to pass through a narrow canal without causing some vaginal stress. But these days, women in are deliberately opting for Cesarean deliveries before the onset of spontaneous labor starts such as in the United States and Europe. In China, some pregnant women request for Cesarian deliveries to time the birth of their babies at very important event such as the Chinese New Year.
Whether a pregnant woman decide to have elective cesarean or was forced to have one, it is best to know the risks involve in such a major surgical procedure. It would at least equip you on what to talk about with your health care provider and in making a more informed decision.
AmericanPregnancy.org said the risks and complications involved for mothers include: infection which can occur at the incision site, in the uterus and in the other pelvic organs; Hemorrhage or increased blood loss as compared to a vaginal delivery which can lead to anemia or need for a blood transfusion; Injury to Organs such as the bowel or bladder; Adhesions or scar tissues which may form inside the pelvic region causing blockage and pain leading to future pregnancy complications; Extended hospital stay and extended recovery time.
There is also the possibility of negative reactions to medications; risks of additional surgeries; maternal mortality as cesarean deliveries has a greater rate than vaginal birth delivery; and emotional reactions as studies show that women who have cesarean births report feeling negatively about their birth experience and may have trouble bonding with their baby.
According to the same organization, the risks and complications for babies delivered through a cesarean procedure are: premature birth resulting to low birth weight; breathing problems as studies show that babies need more help breathing after a cesarean delivery than the natural procedure; low APGAR scores caused by anesthesia, fetal distress before delivery or lack of stimulation during delivery; and fetal injury as there is a possibility, although rarely, that the baby may be nicked or cut during the incision.
All in all, if your doctor suggested a cesarean and you are not in an emergency situation, take the time to really assess your options and weigh the risks and benefits of a cesarean procedure. It is not enough reason that just because it is a procedure now being chosen by a growing number of pregnant women all over the world that you should opt for it.
Published by Ivana Wright on July 8, 2008 05:32 PM
