The mode of delivery is an important consideration for any expecting mom. Doctors generally recommend vaginal delivery due to the high level of safety it provides to both the mother and the child. However, there can be a few medical reasons where vaginal delivery is not feasible. In those circumstances, a cesarean delivery is the only option available. It is a complicated procedure that can lead to health complications. Let us see medical reasons that require a c-section birth.
What Is A Cesarean Birth?
C-section delivery is a surgery where the baby is born by making an incision in the uterus and belly region. This type of delivery is safer for women who have medical issues that can impact their pregnancy. So, for the protection of the health of you and your baby, it becomes necessary to undergo a c-section delivery.
Why is a c-section delivery called a planned delivery?
C-section delivery is also a scheduled delivery. This implies that your doctor will evaluate the growth of the baby and the health condition of the mother to decide a c-section delivery. This delivery is also called an emergency delivery that is performed only due to medical reasons.
It is done immediately when the doctor senses that the health of you or your baby is critical. The doctor generally takes this decision of cesarean delivery after analyzing the health condition at the 39th week of pregnancy.
What types of complications are linked to a cesarean delivery?
C-section delivery is major abdominal surgery. It takes longer for a woman to recover from this type of surgery compared to vaginal surgery. As there are greater chances of complications, this surgery is not permitted for nonmedical reasons. Some of the complications include blood loss, blood clots, infection, and adverse reaction towards anesthesia.
Also, it increases the chances of having recurrent cesarean deliveries in the future. If your pregnancy is going healthy without any major health issues, then it is best to allow labor to commence naturally.
Medical reasons for a planned C-section delivery
A c-section is recommended only in cases when the doctor finds health issues that affect the mother and her baby. The decision of scheduling a c-section delivery can be taken on or before 39 weeks of pregnancy. It is generally advised to wait till 39 weeks as by this time the brain and lungs of the baby are completely grown and build.
If you have a c-section delivery in the past: Past cesarean delivery increases your chances to deliver a baby through a c-section surgery. Also, if you have had undergone a uterus surgery in the past then it can increase the possibilities of complications in pregnancy. In both these situations, you are more likely to deliver via a c-section.
Placenta issues: Placenta previa is a critical condition that causes dangerous bleeding at the time of vaginal birth. If the doctor finds that you have a low-lying placenta that either fully or partially covers the placenta previa, then he would suggest a cesarean delivery. It becomes essential when the placenta begins to separate itself from the lining of the uterus and deprives the baby of oxygen.
Infection: Women, who have had an HIV infection or genital herpes, has the possibility to pass it to their baby through vaginal birth. In this condition, a c-section delivery proves to be a safer option for the baby.
A medical condition: Existing medical conditions such as gestational diabetes, cardiac ailments or high blood pressure can cause vaginal delivery unsafe for the mother. In diabetes, excessive amounts of sugar in the bloodstream can harm the organs in the body such as nerves, and blood vessels. High blood pressure can cause a lot of strain on the heart and pose issues in pregnancy.
Possibility of twins, and triplets: Another reason when the cesarean delivery is recommended is when the mother is carrying babies in multiples. It can increase the duration of labor and put her in pain. There is also a possibility that the position of babies is abnormal/ right for the delivery. In these cases, a c-section delivery is the safest route to deliver a baby.
Large babies: Babies that are too large for the birth canal, or the mother who has slow cervical thinning, and carrying multiples, can contribute to prolonged labor. In these cases, a doctor can consider a cesarean to avoid complications.
Abnormal positioning: The ideal position of the baby for a successful vaginal birth, is headfirst close to the birth canal. But sometimes babies are seen to position their butt or feet towards the canal. This position is called a breech birth. Another abnormal position is transverse birth where the baby positions his shoulder towards the canal. In these cases also, a caesarian delivery is advised.
Fetal distress: An emergency cesarean may be required when the baby fails to get an adequate amount of oxygen in their body.
Birth defects: Sometimes babies are identified with specific types of birth defects, such as or congenital heart diseases or excess fluid deposition in the brain. A cesarean delivery helps lower delivery complications.
Cord prolapse: Slipping of the umbilical cord through the cervix before the delivery is called a cord prolapse. In this condition, the baby does not get an adequate amount of blood supply. It can prove to be fatal. To deal with this emergency, the doctor recommends a cesarean delivery.
Cephalopelvic disproportion: A CPD is defined as a condition when the pelvis of the expecting mother is too small or the head of the baby is too large for the birth canal. These situations pose complications for the baby to pass safely via the vagina.
Also read: How To Take Care Of C-Section Scar To Prevent Infection?
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a beautiful experience. However, you may require a c-section delivery due to complications that makes vaginal delivery unsafe for you and your baby. It is required to be well-prepared for whichever delivery process the doctor suggests for you. This will ensure safe and happy delivery.