Natural or C-section?

Question

Which is better Natural birth or having a c-section?

Can I choose which I want?

Answer 1

I think it is typical for most doctors to expect to deliver babies naturally, especially first babies, unless there is a clear medical reason not to. C-section is considered a major surgery and thus comes with increased risks. Regardless of what you plan, be prepared that your plans can change at any time. My oldest daughter was expecting her first baby, our first grandchild, due April 26. At 9:15 PM April 14, her water broke unexpectedly at home. She planned for a natural birth with no drugs. She read a lot, went to classes, etc. 12 hours after her water broke, she had only dilated to 3 1/2 cm. She was already exhausted from lack of sleep and agreed to the epidural. She developed a fever, the baby's heart rate went high, and she hadn't dilated past 8 cm for hours when a c-section was recommended. She was so upset at first. Our grandson was born at 10 PM April 15 by un-planned c-section. Now, my daughter knows it was the best thing at the time. They are both coming along OK, but the baby still has a fever. Vaginal birth has more benefits to both mom and baby, but sometimes a c-section is what is best. You will probably not be able to choose a c-section, but I imagine there are doctors who will let you. It does seem as though celebrities have a lot more c-sections.

Answer 2

Of course if all is well and the baby is in the right position at time of delivery Natural would be the best way to go... The stress on the body is not as great and the healing time is cut down by about 75% giving you a better oppurtunity to bond with your baby... having a C-section is a major surgery I know it doesn't seem like it because the is becoming quite routine, but it is major surgery... to answer the second half of your question I have heard of doctors doing C-sections because the mother suggested this was the type of delivery she wanted, although I don't think most doctors would suggest a C-section unless medically needed because the first concern should be for the health of the mother and if surgery is not needed then why do it.... My opinion is that Natural is always best that is what our bodies were created for and to do and unless medically neccasary surgery should not be an option...

Answer 3

I choose natural. A c-section is major surgery. A c-section is documented as causing problems with subsequent pregnancies. Statistics available since 2004 show rising c-section births as well as rising pregnancy associated mortality rates. I'm sure there are some other factors here but... correlation? The cost of a c-section is almost twice that of a vaginal birth. The hospital stay is longer and the risk of uterine infection is higher. Pain after a c-section stays around for longer, sometimes for months I hear. Babies born by c-section are more likely to have respiratory issues and a harder time breastfeeding. There are so many reasons to choose vaginal over c-section I don't think I could even list them all. Vaginal birth is what your body is meant to do. In some cases it's not possible and then we're blessed to have a medical intervention but it's scary to think that people would actually choose this first. Also, check out the correlation between pictocin, edpidurals and the need for medical intervention if you get the chance, it's interesting reading.

Answer 4

If there is not a problem, then natural birth is the best. It is better for the mother in many ways. You will not be able to carry or pick up your baby for a short period of time after you have a c-section because of your surgery. Also, having a c-section with your first baby will most likely guarentee that you will have to have another the next time you get pregnant, if you do.
Some doctors do allow you to make that decision on your own. One advantage to a c-section is that you get to schedule your delivery date.
I was told yesterday that I may have to have a c-section because my baby is HUGE, and I would much rather deliver him naturally if I can.
Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Since every body is different this will vary. Natural birth is the best way, no evasion procedures and your body will heal faster.

C- section I don;t recommend unless you need it. It is a surgery and with any surgery you need recovery time, which is longer and more painful than a natural birth.

Personally I have had to have a c section and will be having another one, the way my body is I have to have one. If I could I would Much rather have a natural vaginal birth.

Yes you can pick, but your doctor most likely will advice natural birth unless medically necessary to do otherwise.

Answer 6

First off any OB that allows you to elect to have major surgery for child birth for no medical reason is a QUACK in my opinion! The recovery period from a c-section is much longer and much harder than that of a natural birth. Natural delivery is much better!

Answer 7

I never had a choice & i will never know what a natural birth is about. I had c-section , if you have a choice go natural c-section takes along time to heal & it is very painfull afterwoods. At least natural you have pain but when the baby has arrived its all over,

Answer 8

Most of the time it is not an option as to the greater amount of bacteria that is introduced into the body through a c-section and the greater risk for infection. Also, you will have to continue to have c-sections through the remainder pregnancies......Just a thought if you wanted to have more children some day.

Inducing labor has become pretty popular nowdays so, your chances of being able to pick your due date are high with both options.

Answer 9

it never occured to me to opt for a c but each to their own. Personally i was keen to start exercising after giving birth so i was hoping that it would be natural. I was walking within a week of giving birth and am happy not to have had to have had a c.

good luck with whatever you decide. i am sure that someone will criticise you for asking this question - they will be the same morons that will criticise you on your feeding choices and feel that you are asking for their consent to raise your child a certain way.

I just wanted to let you know my preference but i would not think any different is someones preference was completely different.

Best of luck

Answer 10

Natural birth definately. I have twice now and nearly three times looked at the girls who have had c-sec and I feel awful for them. I'm walking staright after birth etc and doing everything as normally would. You also feel like an absolute super woman after!