Is a C-section dangerous? Or is natural birth?

Question

On kid #1. I'm a little nervous. But excited- 1.4 months to go!!!! I've had my family discuss C-section and natural birth. They all have the idea that C-section is the only way to go.

Which one is better for the baby? Can I have some information? Thanks! :)

Answer 1

It's amazing that anyone could think that major abdominal surgery is safer than a natural process that has been going on since time began.

Risks of c-section include all the risks of any surgery related to complications from anesthesia, immobility, catheterization, infection, blood loss, and unforseen surgical complications or errors.

I have seen people with permanent injury to the bladder, which is right next to the uterus, where they are cutting.
I have seen MANY people who have chronic pelvic pain from scar tissue and adhesions.
I have seen 4 or 5 people who's surgical wounds opened up completely. They had to have the gaping hole in their abdomens packed with a gauze dressing and changed by a visiting nurse daily for several months.

There is also an increased risk to future pregnancies. There is a higher incidence of uterine rupture (even if she does not go into labor), placenta previa, and placenta acreta (where it grows into the uterus in an abnormal way, and has to be surgically removed after the birth; sometimes a hysterectomy is required). There is also an increased incidence of full term fetal death among women who have had a previous c-section. ACOG is recommending that obstetricians counsel their patients who have had 2 c-sections to consider this risk before getting pregnant again.

Unless there is severe fetal distress during the labor, vaginal delivery is better for the baby, too. Babies who deliver by scheduled c-section (without any labor) have a higher incidence of respiratory problems.

Vaginal birth is not risk free. Nothing is. But if interventions are used only when necessary, many complications can be avoided.

There is a place for operative delivery -- when the risks to the mother or baby of delivering vaginally outweigh the risks of c-section. In the unfortunate circumstance of certain complications, c-section becomes the safer way.
But NOT for the average woman.

Answer 2

Natural birth is better, hands down. There's a lower risk of death, both for the infant and the mother. There's also the theory that the vaginal opening helps squeeze fluid out of the infant's lungs.

There's less of a recovery period, and you can move about immediately after giving birth. Not as much risk of internal bleeding, or bursting a stitch-- just don't let the doctor perform an episiotomy (where he cuts down the perineum, which is that inch or so of flesh between the vaginal opening and anus-- often, tearing is what happens when the birth has been artificially rushed via drugs, forceps, or that suction thingie) or shave you! Shaving can cause little cuts and irritation, and can also lead to bacteria being more present then usual around the vaginal opening.

As for drugs... eh. My mother, who had a vaginal birth, was given drugs (painkillers, etc.) during my birth-- and when I came out, I was one drugged-up little baby. They CAN and DO get to the baby, inhibiting the mother/child bonding reflex, and the suckling reflex.

There's also the positioning issue. The lithotomy position-- lying flat on your back with your feet in those stirrup things-- is THE worst, most dangerous, and most ineffective position, which was developed for the doctor's convenience. Not the mother's or the baby's. It prevents gravity from helping during the process of labor, and the baby's own weight from helping it emerge. In fact, because of the way that the uterus and vagina are positioned, it actually HINDERS labor, causing it to be more painful and prolonged.

Squat, kneel, stand, rock on your hands and knees, or even lay on your side. Whatever feels best for you-- just please, stay away from the lithotomy position for both your and the baby's safety.

I'd also recommend that you breastfeed your baby. Breastmilk from the mother, as judged by the WHO (World Health Organization), is the best choice for an infant. Bottle-feeding came in last. In order, the list is 1. Breastmilk from the mother, 2. Breastmilk from a wetnurse, 3. Breastmilk from a milk bank (like a blood bank, except for milk) and 4: bottle feeding from artificial milk.

I would never get a C-section unless it was truly medically necessary, which often they are not.

Answer 3

Natural labor would be the best way. It is easier and less painful to heal from, and it is the way that birth has been done since the beginning. C-sections are a major surgery, and not only are the cutting your uterus open (which by the way could cause it to re-open or burst in subsequent pregnancies) but they have to move your bladder and pull it off of the area that it is attached too, so I imagine there is always a risk there. Plus, going through the birth canal squeezes the liquid out of the lungs of the baby, making the first breath much easier...and there is less of a risk of trouble breathing. Giving birth is not as bad as people say it is, I laughed through the whole thing...and I didn't have the epidural until 8 cm, which by the way, stopped my labor, and made it so that my body couldn't progress past 9 without the doctors pulling it open for me! And I was in back labor and ready to push...so the epidural didn't help much. If I can do it, anybody can. Though I am not against the epidural of course...many women use them...heck, I just got mine too late! Unless there is some kind of health risk to you or the baby by delivering natural, than that is what I would do. Oh, and C-sections are very hard to heal from, very painful, some people can't get around for weeks because of it. And there is no excitement of laying down and having your baby cut out of you...what if you are allergic to anesthesia....3 percent of the population is...and guess what, if you are put under anesthesia, and are allergic (which by the way, there is no way to test it) than you will die...no doubt about it, they can't help you, you will die! Not worth the risk if you ask me! And the scar, think of the scar.

Answer 4

If you truly go natural, it is better for the baby. Being born vaginally helps compress the baby's lungs at birth, which will reduce the chance of repiratory distress. It will also help the baby nurse better if it has not been exposed to drugs. C-section has many risks, not only for the baby, but for the mom. Many people think a C-section is an easy way out, but there are so many inherent complications.

Having and feeling the birth of your baby is a rewarding end to the 9 months behind you. I have had all mine at home with no pain. A Doula is awesome to have with you -- statistically they aid in women even asking for pain meds by 50% because they are so supportive.

If you do anything between now and the birth, read "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth."

Answer 5

Congrats! First of all, everyones got different opinions, but it's up to you in the end. Women have been giving birth naturally forever!!!! It hasn't hurt most of us lol! Next, most doctors prefer natural because it isn't major surgery. A c-section is major surgery and you will lose some of your abdominal muscle tone and have a large scar forever. For the baby, if they are in distress or are not in the correct position it's a must to have a c-section. Medical science is alot better now than ever, so it's a lot less risky. It's up to you darlin! Research it as much as you can and ask your doctor what their opinion is!!! This is important, they know your health best! Good luck!

Answer 6

Best not to get your mind set on how the birth will go. Anything is possible and usually out of your control. I would opt for the vaginal birth. Afterall, everyone is different, and you might be so lucky as to just have natural child birth and it be a breeze. Also, it's better for the baby. Know that a c-section is possible and you won't be let down if that happens. No one should wish to have a c-section, the pain afterward is horrible.

Answer 7

Hey,
both are considered dangerous.
A C-section because it's a major operation but Natural because of complications that can arise...
I personally think if you can have a natural birth then have one!
The recovery time is far less and it's a great thing that only a female can do...So if you can do it do it!
There are many women who would do anything to have a natural birth and can't so they are unfortunate!

I would try a natural birth if you can't do it then go for a c-section.
If it's the pain your worrying about don't worry you can have an epidural which is what you have in a c-section...
And it's awesome apparently...I didn't have one I just had gas and air.

Good Luck
Cassie xxx

Answer 8

Natural Birth is always better for both baby and mother unless there is a medical condition that can cause complications. Take a look at the Bradley method. There are several books by him that help tell you why natural is better. I will attach a web address below. Another book to look at is, "A Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth," by Henci Goer. She runs down pro's a con's of the different interventions that are often used in delivery. I'm not saying there is never a time for c-section but I would only do it if medically necessary!

Answer 9

I've done both and I opt for natural birth. The recovery time on a c-section takes a lot longer and hurts. I remember it feeling like my guts were going to fall out when I walked or coughed.

It has been 5 months now and I'm still not fully healed. My incision site is still irritated by anything that touches it and I have a weird numb feeling halfway to my belly button due to cutting muscle and nerves.

A c-section is a major surgery. I'd say only get one if it's absolutely necessary!

Answer 10

A natural labor and birth is by far the best for both mum and baby. The general rule to remember is the more medical things that you do (epidural, induction, fetal scalp monitor, c-section), the more the risks inch up.
I personally had all 4 of mine naturally (no drugs, nothing!), but that was what I wanted. You might be different. You know your body the best, and you know what you can and cannot handle. I know this advice seems really counterproductive, but ask yourself what you want to see happen with your birthing experience. Then follow it.
My birthing experience was great, and I loved giving birth naturally. I had no pain after 5 cms of dilation, but was just really drowsy. To be honest, I thought that giving birth felt like having a massive poo! *grin*
I wish you all the best in this, and I hope that your birthing experience is everything you want it to be!
Best of luck to you!