Reasons for Cesareans:
When C-Section Births are Recommended for Mother & Infant Safety
Although around
20% of deliveries are by Cesarean section, there is some
question about whether C-sections are being performed
unnecessarily, either for the convenience of doctor, hospital
staff or the mother's preferences.
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The main reasons for doing
a C-section remain safety-related; either the baby, the
mother or both are suffering, and surgery is deemed more
humanitarian than continuing with a natural delivery. In
some cases, C-sections are planned and scheduled in advance
because the mother has had previous Cesarean births, or
because of known health problems. In fact, 80% of women who
have natural childbirth after an earlier Cesarean give birth
successfully. Unfortunately, many physicians don't inform
their patients that Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is
usually safe and practical. |
Statistics show
that the numbers of Cesareans performed in the US are much
greater than those recommended by the World Health Organization.
The WHO also states that around 50% of the Cesareans performed
in the U.S. are in fact unnecessary and are subjecting mothers
and babies to the risks of surgery when childbirth would be a
lower risk. The following is a list of the valid reasons women
have C-sections.
1. Fetal Distress.
If the baby needs medical care or cannot
stand the process of labor (for example if the cord is around
the neck or the baby's heartbeat is too rapid, indicating
stress), the doctor may perform a C-section.
2. Failure for labor to progress
Once the water has broken, the
risk of infection increases. If the labor isn't going normally,
Cesarean may be performed. This may happen in the case where the
mother's pelvis is narrow and the baby's head is large, or the
cervix isn't dilated enough after a period of time.
3. Baby position is wrong
If it's a breech birth (the baby is
coming feet first) or a transverse lie (the baby lies sideways
across the mother's womb), the doctor may opt for C-section
rather than trying to turn the infant.
4. Placental or umbilical cord problems that can cause
complications in delivery.
5. Disease
If the mother has a venereal disease or infection,
the baby may be delivered by C-section to prevent transmission
of the disease.
6. The health of the mother
If the process of giving birth has
been too much, if the woman is frail or ill, these may be
indications for Cesarean section.
7. Some women choose to have C-sections for reasons having to so
with fear of childbirth. In these cases, it's preferably for new
moms-to-be to talk with someone about their fears; if mother and
child are in good health, vaginal delivery is safer and more
quickly recovered from than a Cesarean. Sometimes educational
experiences are more helpful in allaying fears than talk
therapy; moms to be need to be informed of the risks, pleasures
and possibilities of experiencing childbirth as a participant
instead of a patient.
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