It was discovered that almost 70% of doctors who deliver babies by C-section may do so because they're afraid of being sued. Coupled with this, some also indicate that they choose C-sections in order to avoid damage to the woman's body or because there is insufficient staff to allow for vaginal birth.
Applying fundal pressure by pushing on the mother's abdomen in the direction of the birth canal is often used to assist spontaneous vaginal birth, shorten the length of the second stage and reduce the need for instrumental birth (forceps‐ or vacuum‐assisted) or caesarean section.
A C-section might be recommended for women with certain health issues, such as a heart or brain condition. There's a blockage. A large fibroid blocking the birth canal, a pelvic fracture or a baby who has a condition that can cause the head to be unusually large (severe hydrocephalus) might be reasons for a C-section.
Reasons for preferences
A survey of female obstetricians by Al Mufti et al showed that 31% would prefer to give birth by elective caesarean section rather than vaginal delivery, and 80% of these doctors indicated fear of perineal damage as their main reason.
Even though labor and vaginal birth can be hard work, they are generally easier on a woman's body than a cesarean. Recovery after vaginal birth is usually shorter and less painful than after a C-section, and allows the woman to spend more time with her baby.
Doctors often recommend a c-section if the baby is breech or transverse. A baby is breech when it's positioned to come out with its feet first instead of the head. A transverse presentation means the baby is lying sideways, with its arm or back facing the vaginal opening.
But sometimes another caesarean may be necessary. Although uncommon, having a caesarean can increase the risk of certain problems in future pregnancies, including: the scar in your womb opening up. the placenta being abnormally attached to the wall of the womb, leading to difficulties delivering the placenta.
The most common indications for primary cesarean delivery include, in order of frequency, labor dystocia, abnormal or indeterminate (formerly, nonreassuring) fetal heart rate tracing, fetal malpresentation, multiple gestation, and suspected fetal macrosomia.
Long-Term Effects of C-Sections
Children born by C-section also suffer increased rates of diseases, including asthma, type I diabetes, allergies, obesity, as well as reduced overall cognitive functioning and lower academic performance.
During elective (planned) caesarean sections, some obstetricians routinely dilate the cervix intraoperatively, using sponge forceps, a finger, or other instruments, because the cervix of women not in labour may not be dilated, and this may cause obstruction of blood or lochia drainage.
Next, something that completely surprised me: Some hospitals may strap your arms to the operating table (others leave them free)—done to prevent you from inadvertently knocking a member of the medical team while they are wielding a scalpel.
CURRENT recommendations for term women undergoing cesarean delivery include maintenance of left lateral tilt for uterine displacement until delivery, based on the premise that the supine position will result in aortocaval compression (ACC), maternal hypotension, and fetal compromise.
You won't feel any pain during the C-section, although you may feel sensations like pulling and pressure. Most women are awake and simply numbed from the waist down using regional anesthesia (an epidural and/or a spinal block) during a C-section. That way, they are awake to see and hear their baby being born.
“So, every patient is different and every case is unique. However, from the current medical evidence, most medical authorities do state that if multiple C-sections are planned, the expert recommendation is to adhere to the maximum number of three.”
How long does an average C-section take? Usually, a cesarean takes about 30-45 minutes.
The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.
'The differences are very subtle but they come out most clearly in relationships,' she says. 'Caesarean babies as they grow up tend to be both dependent and impatient. They don't know the rhythm of getting to know someone and sustaining a relationship.
Cesarean delivery also has a potential association with early brain development. Previous studies have reported worse child cognitive development10 and higher rates of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) associated with cesarean delivery.
Caesarean section is a relatively safe operation; however, possible complications include infection, damage to your internal organs, an increased risk of respiratory distress for your baby and complications with future pregnancies.
Bands of scar-like tissue (adhesions) develop during each C-section. Dense adhesions can make a C-section more difficult and increase the risk of a bladder or bowel injury and excessive bleeding.
You might need to plan a C-section if you're pregnant with two or more babies or if you have a medical condition or infection. If you run into an emergency during labor, you may also need a C-section. Here are a few examples of when this might be the safer option: Your labor isn't progressing as it should.
Why is a caesarean sometimes recommended if you are HIV positive? Before modern ART was available, planned caesarean section significantly reduced vertical transmission compared to vaginal birth. But there is no difference in more recent studies using ART and viral load testing.