<p>It is seen that there has been a rising trend in C-section deliveries, especially in urban private practice. More number of women are now requesting doctors to perform an elective caesarean. The main reason for this is the fear of pain in normal deliveries. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Also, C-sections are made to look a lot more comfortable for women. However, experts agree that the best way to have a baby is through normal vaginal delivery. A vaginal delivery is the preferred route of birthing a baby for the following reasons:<br /><br />It is the natural way of birth.<br /><br />Such deliveries have no complications, unlike some associated with surgeries, like bleeding from the surgical site, injuries to organs like the bladder and bowel.<br /><br />They are also not associated with post-operation pain and anaesthesia-related complications.<br /><br />Babies born of C-sections have a slightly increased incidence of respiratory distress compared with babies born out of normal deliveries.<br /><br />Continued effects<br /><br />If a women undergoes C-section in the first pregnancy, her chances of a vaginal delivery reduces in the next pregnancy. However, Vaginal birth After Caesarean, or VBAC as it is generally called, can be successfully attempted, contrary to popular belief until some years ago. <br /><br />Several women with a primary C-section (C-section in the first pregnancy) can consider VBAC as an option. Doctors consider the history and clinical features of to-be mums and counsel them regarding VBAC. The incidence of scar ruptures during labour in VBAC is 0.1 to 0.5 percent, which means 99.5 percent of women undergoing VBAC may not have any complication.<br /><br />Pain relief<br /><br />Often, a to-be mother’s biggest fear of vaginal delivery is because of the pain associated with it. However, there are a host of pain-relief options available today to assist in a relatively-easier labour. <br /><br />Institutions conscious of a mother’s need to know all her options will encourage them to have a discussion with the labour analgesia team (the obstetrician, anaesthesiologist and physical therapist) before agreeing to accept a technique.<br /><br />Don’t let fear of pain misguide you. Make an informed decision. Unless there’s some medical reason, it’s best to opt for a vaginal delivery.<br /><em><br />(The author is consultant gynaecologist, The Nest, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru)</em><br /><br /></p>
<p>It is seen that there has been a rising trend in C-section deliveries, especially in urban private practice. More number of women are now requesting doctors to perform an elective caesarean. The main reason for this is the fear of pain in normal deliveries. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Also, C-sections are made to look a lot more comfortable for women. However, experts agree that the best way to have a baby is through normal vaginal delivery. A vaginal delivery is the preferred route of birthing a baby for the following reasons:<br /><br />It is the natural way of birth.<br /><br />Such deliveries have no complications, unlike some associated with surgeries, like bleeding from the surgical site, injuries to organs like the bladder and bowel.<br /><br />They are also not associated with post-operation pain and anaesthesia-related complications.<br /><br />Babies born of C-sections have a slightly increased incidence of respiratory distress compared with babies born out of normal deliveries.<br /><br />Continued effects<br /><br />If a women undergoes C-section in the first pregnancy, her chances of a vaginal delivery reduces in the next pregnancy. However, Vaginal birth After Caesarean, or VBAC as it is generally called, can be successfully attempted, contrary to popular belief until some years ago. <br /><br />Several women with a primary C-section (C-section in the first pregnancy) can consider VBAC as an option. Doctors consider the history and clinical features of to-be mums and counsel them regarding VBAC. The incidence of scar ruptures during labour in VBAC is 0.1 to 0.5 percent, which means 99.5 percent of women undergoing VBAC may not have any complication.<br /><br />Pain relief<br /><br />Often, a to-be mother’s biggest fear of vaginal delivery is because of the pain associated with it. However, there are a host of pain-relief options available today to assist in a relatively-easier labour. <br /><br />Institutions conscious of a mother’s need to know all her options will encourage them to have a discussion with the labour analgesia team (the obstetrician, anaesthesiologist and physical therapist) before agreeing to accept a technique.<br /><br />Don’t let fear of pain misguide you. Make an informed decision. Unless there’s some medical reason, it’s best to opt for a vaginal delivery.<br /><em><br />(The author is consultant gynaecologist, The Nest, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru)</em><br /><br /></p>
