The right decision: natural childbirth or caesarean section?

The birth process is a special and unique moment in a woman’s life. The right decision: natural childbirth or caesarean section? This is one of the most important choices you have to make about giving birth. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice varies according to individual circumstances. Find out with Barza the key facts needed to help you make an informed decision about giving birth.

Natural childbirth: advantages and risks

Natural childbirth, also called vaginal birth, is the process by which a woman gives birth through the birth canal. A pregnant woman is advised to give birth naturally if there are no complications.

Natural childbirth, even if it takes longer, has many advantages for both mother and baby.

Advantages of natural childbirth

Firstly, the process of natural childbirth can help stabilise the newborn’s immune system by passing through the vaginal canal and coming into contact with the beneficial bacteria present there.

Natural childbirth can also facilitate a closer bond between mother and baby, as skin-to-skin contact can be made immediately after birth. In addition, the new mother can quickly breastfeed her baby.

Another advantage of natural childbirth is the mother’s shorter recovery time. Because there are no surgical incisions, the risk of post-operative complications is lower and women can return to normal activities more quickly after childbirth.

It is important to note that after a natural birth, the baby requires lower doses of painkillers compared to mothers who gave birth by caesarean section.

When is natural childbirth not indicated?

Natural childbirth is not an option for all pregnant women. Some have an indication for caesarean section, especially if complications arise during pregnancy. Factors that prevent natural childbirth include:

• mother is diagnosed with diabetes, clotting disorders, chronic cardiovascular or vision problems;
• the mother’s age is over 35;
• the pregnancy is multiple (more than one foetus in the uterus);
• mommy had a c-section in the last two years;
• the mother consumed alcohol or drugs during pregnancy;
• complications of placental development are present.

About caesarean section, with good and bad

Caesarean section is a surgical procedure where the baby is extracted through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. There are circumstances in which caesarean section may be preferred or even necessary.

One of the reasons why caesarean section is preferred by some mothers, beyond the fear of pain, is that it can be scheduled, which offers safety and predictability.

When is a caesarean recommended

Caesarean section may be recommended in cases where there are medical complications. Caesarean section is recommended when the baby has an abnormal position or shoulder dystocia (shoulder locked during birth) occurs. Cesarean section is also the first option when the mother is facing health problems that may endanger her or harm the baby. This is the case, for example, when the mother suffers from placenta praevia (placenta covering the cervix).

However, it is also important to consider the risks associated with major surgery.

Risks of Caesarean Birth

For example, you may experience inflammation and infection of the uterus that can manifest itself in fever, pain and foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

Heavy vaginal bleeding could be another quite common problem in such situations, which is why you will feel weaker due to the larger amount of blood lost compared to a natural birth.

At the same time, the risk of venous thrombosis, i.e. small blood clots in the veins, should not be neglected. Thrombi become even more dangerous if they reach the lungs, because they can put your life at risk by affecting the lungs’ ability to function through the development of a pulmonary embolism. Although there are treatments and preventive measures for such situations, the risk cannot be completely eliminated.

Another risk of caesarean section is that of wound infection in the incision area of the abdomen. And also in terms of risks, we mention surgical trauma, which is rare but nevertheless to be taken into account. It involves damage to other organs (most often the bladder) and, obviously, extra surgery. Moreover, a caesarean birth puts you at increased risk of life-threatening complications in your next pregnancy – the risk of uterine rupture (if the next pregnancy was too close to the first).

The right decision: natural childbirth or caesarean section?

It is important to emphasise that every birth is unique and every woman has individual circumstances that need to be taken into account when making the decision. Open and honest communication between the woman and her obstetrician-gynaecologist is essential in order to evaluate the options available and make an informed decision.

Every birth is a unique experience and there is no one right or wrong way to deliver a baby.