C-Section Versus Vaginal Birth: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Introduction:

Childbirth can be a crucial and sometimes painful experience for pregnant women. Pain is a prevailing medical problem that adversely impacts a person's abilities and causes fear and anxiety. moreover, attitudes towards labor pain are linked to physical, psychological, and environmental factors, which significantly affect the decision about the way of delivery. Childbirth is an integral part of the reproductive system and is a natural process. traditionally, women gave birth vaginally, but with advances in medicine, cesarean section also known as C-section has become a popular alternative for women delivering a baby. However, women need to understand the advantages and risks associated with both choices to make an informed decision about the birth of their baby.

What Is Vaginal Birth?

Delivering a baby through the birth canal is known as vaginal birth. During this, the baby passes through the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus into the vagina. While vaginal birth can be accompanied by discomfort and pain for the mother, the female body is designed to handle the demands of childbirth, and most women can safely deliver their babies without any complications. Vaginal birth is the most prevalent and cost-effective method of delivering a baby. However, it can be challenging and painful.

What Is C-Section Delivery?

C-section is the surgical procedure to deliver the baby through incisions in the pregnant woman's abdominal wall and uterus. It can help to avoid dangerous delivery-room crises and can be a lifesaver procedure in an emergency. C-sections are only advised when the life of the baby or the mother is at risk. However, this procedure has currently become a passage of escaping from labor pain.

What Are the Indications of C-Sections?

• The doctors usually advise C-section in multiple pregnancies that is in women pregnant with twins, triplets, or more.

• Baby is in the bottom-first (breech) or transverse position.

• The baby has certain birth deficiencies such as severe hydrocephalus.

• History of delivery with C-section with a vertical cut.

• A certain health issue that makes vaginal delivery unsafe. These can include high blood pressure, diabetes, or an infection, such as the active case of genital herpes or HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) with a high viral load.

• Blockage of the uterus is also called placenta previa where the placenta that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby, blocks the opening of the uterus.

• Certain situations may happen during labor such as a baby pooping inside the womb makes it better for the baby to be born by C-section immediately and not wait for vaginal delivery for the baby’s wellbeing.

What Are the Advantages Vaginal Delivery Has Over C-Section Delivery?

• Vaginal birth has a faster recovery period compared to c-section delivery. The mother can continue her normal activities, including walking and caring for the newborn, within a few days.

• Women who deliver a baby via vaginal delivery generally requires shorter hospital stay compared to those who have a c-section delivery because the recovery time for vaginal birth is usually faster. While the c-section is a surgical procedure that makes it mandatory to keep the mother under medical supervision.

• The chances of infection are lower in the case of vaginal delivery compared to c-section delivery because the incision required for the c-section delivery raises the risk of infection.

• Vaginal delivery comprises a low risk of complications such as blood clots, postpartum depression, and respiratory issues, as it does not implicate surgical procedures, hence there is a low chance of complications such as damage to internal organs, reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, which may occur during c-section delivery.

• Vaginal birth helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. they are responsible for supporting the rectum, uterus, and bladder. These muscles tend to be weak during pregnancy as a result of the weight of the uterus and the growing baby. vaginal birth can facilitate the recovery and strengthening of them which can aid to lower the chance of urinary incontinence (leakage) and other pelvic floor disorders later in life.

• Women who gave birth to a baby by vaginal delivery are more likely to start breastfeeding the baby successfully while in c-section delivery baby may have to feed formula milk for a few days.

• During vaginal delivery, the baby is squeezed through the vaginal canal, which permits the expelling of fluid from the lungs which ultimately lowers the risk of respiratory difficulties in the baby.

• During vaginal birth, the fetus is exposed to the vaginal bacteria of the mother in the womb, which helps to colonize the infant's gut with healthy bacteria. This can help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues in the baby. in addition, studies have revealed that babies born vaginally have a better diverse and healthy gut microbiome compared to those born by cesarean section, which may provide long-term health benefits to the newborn.

• Babies delivered vaginally obtain a dose of antibodies while vaginal delivery, helps boost their immunity and safeguard them against infections.

• According to the studies, delivery through the vagina facilitates managing the change from the uterus to the world such as breathing, blood sugar regulation, blood circulation to the brain, temperature regulation, and exploratory behaviors. Whereas in c-section these stimulations to the body systems of the baby are absent.

• According to some studies, vaginal birth can establish a strong emotional bond.

• Vaginal delivery is a way of nature, and many women feel fulfillment from giving childbirth vaginally whereas a c-section is a surgical procedure.

• Although vaginal childbirth can be a challenging and painful process, many women express having a sense of empowerment and achievement in giving birth vaginally. This can also help to boost confidence and self-esteem which can also help encourage a positive perspective on maternity and parenting.

• Vaginal delivery is associated with a lower chance of postpartum depression in comparison with c-section delivery. This may be because the natural process of vaginal birth allows to release of hormones such as oxytocin, that promotes bonding and feelings of well-being.

• C-section delivery increases the risk of complications in future pregnancies including placenta previa, uterine rupture, and stillbirth while vaginal delivery does not impact future pregnancies.

What Are the Advantages of C-Section Delivery Over Vaginal Birth?

• Controlled timing of the birth of the baby as it is usually an elective procedure.

• Reduced risk of vaginal tears and trauma (perineal tears and episiotomy).

• Women who have a C-section have a lower risk of developing urinary incontinence after delivery compared to those who deliver vaginally.

• C-section delivery is painless as the doctor gives the anesthesia that numbs the women's lower body, while vaginal delivery is generally painful. However, women may use painkillers or epidurals to relieve pain.

Conclusion:

Pregnancy is a physiological wonder, and its ending is associated with pain, anxiety, worry, and even fear of death for pregnant women. Child delivery is a multi-dimensional function with physical, social, physiological, cultural, emotional, and psychological dimensions. Ultimately, the decision to undergo vaginal delivery or a C-section depends on personal preference and individual circumstances. for example, in some cases, C-section is necessary for the safety of the duo. However, the doctors recommend vaginal delivery in case of no medical indications that mandate a C-section.