Believe it or not, babies are creative little beings. They showcase their creativity in all sorts of ways. The most common ones are taking a dump in utero or wrapping umbilical cords around themselves. Yes, it all happens inside the mother’s womb. However chuckle-worthy these situations may appear, they’re quite the opposite. They usually lead to an emergency cesarean section even when a normal delivery could have been on the cards. Mind you, not all C-sections are emergency procedures.
In your pregnancy journey, you must sometimes experience the dilemma of choosing the delivery method. You ask your friends, families, and even the internet for a definite solution. But nowhere do you find an exhaustive guide to help you select the right option. That’s why we’re here with a complete pack of information on everything you’ll need to know, whether normal delivery or cesarean, which is better for you.
Before we delve right into the comparison between c-section & normal delivery, let’s state precise definitions and popular types of the two.
What is a Normal or Vaginal Delivery?
It’s a traditional form of delivery where a mother gives birth through the vagina. It’s the conventional method that has been around for ages. During a normal or vaginal delivery, your uterus contracts, which opens your cervix and helps push the baby out through the vagina (or birth canal).
Because of their simplicity and effectiveness, doctors prefer vaginal deliveries. They’re usually safe for both the baby and the mother. A vaginal delivery happens mostly around 37-41 weeks of pregnancy.
What are the types of Vaginal or Normal Delivery?
Some of the most common forms of vaginal or normal delivery are: spontaneous, induced, and assisted.
Spontaneous vaginal delivery: A vaginal delivery that occurs independently and without any pregnancy-related medicines.
Induced vaginal delivery: In this delivery form, medicines or other treatments induce labour and widen your cervix. This method is also known as labour induction.
Assisted vaginal delivery: In this form of vaginal delivery, the assistance of forceps or a vacuum device is taken to get the baby out. It’s one of the things that you must remember from the movie 3 Idiots.
What Are the Advantages of a Vaginal Delivery?
Benefits for the mother & the fetus are different. However, they’re extremely crucial.
The benefits of vaginal delivery for the mother are:
Shorter recovery time.
Lactation begins sooner.
Lower chance of future pregnancy complications.
The benefits of vaginal delivery for the fetus are:
Lower chance of respiratory conditions.
Improved immune system function.
More likely to breastfeed (chest feed).
What is C-section or Operation Delivery?
A C-section is a cesarean section, operational, or cesarean delivery. It is a surgical treatment in which a baby is delivered via making incisions in your abdomen and uterus. These procedures are performed when a vaginal delivery is impossible or your/the baby’s health is at risk.
What Are the Types of C-section Delivery?
Some of the most common forms of C-section delivery are low transverse, low vertical, and high vertical.
Low transverse: This c-section operation is also called the “bikini incision” because the incision is made by cutting curves right across your bikini line (your lower abdomen). This cut is quite common because it doesn’t hurt much and allows the doctor the best view of your lower uterus. The C-section incision usually causes a scar that takes a while to heal completely.
Low vertical: This C-section procedure is also similar to a transverse C-section incision, but in this procedure, the incision is made vertically down to your lower abdomen rather than horizontally. This is commonly used when your baby is in a breech position.
High vertical: In this C-section procedure, the incision is made of a similar shape & size as a low vertical cut, but it’s made higher on your abdomen and across your stomach. This C-section incision is best for pre-term babies or those positioned sideways.
What are the Benefits of C-Section Delivery?
For a person such as yourself, a well-equipped C-section procedure might lower the risk of:
Pain during the birth
Injury to the vagina
Loss of bladder control
The womb, bowel, or bladder pushes against the wall of the vagina (pelvic organ prolapse).
Now it doesn’t mean you’re entirely free from any risk or complication. It is, however, a major surgery. The risks of bowel problems, pain during sex, depression, and breastfeeding are similar to vaginal delivery.
Now the Question of the Hour, Normal Delivery or Cesarean Which Is Better?
To be honest with you, there are no clear-cut answers to it; however, certain conditions bode well for both normal delivery and C-section. That’s why we’re listing those situations where the difference between normal & c section delivery will be highlighted.
Should You Opt For a Cesarean?
A C-section may be better for you if:
You’re having multiple babies at once. For example, you may be expecting twins, triplets, or more.
Your baby is in the bottom-first or breech position or a transverse position.
You’ve had a C-section with a vertical cut.
You have chronic health conditions. Some of the most common ones include. diabetes, high blood pressure, or an infection may make vaginal or normal delivery unsafe.
Normal delivery becomes impossible when the placenta, which gives your baby oxygen and nutrients, chocks the uterus's opening. This is called placenta previa.
After you go into labour, certain complications may arise, making it better to choose a c-section. Generally, doctors take the final call to preserve the well-being of you & your baby.
Should You Go For A Vaginal Birth?
For most women, normal or vaginal delivery is safer and healthier. Vaginal birth cuts the risk of many problems. So, vaginal delivery will be better for you if you have:
A reduced risk of requiring a blood transfusion after the delivery.
A reduced risk of postpartum infection. It also includes a uterine infection. If you get one, you may have to revisit the hospital sometime after the delivery.
A lower risk of internal uterine scarring. So future fertility is safe. Uterine scarring also leads to an ectopic pregnancy or the incorrect attachment of the placenta.
Chances of having injured pelvic floor muscles are more in vaginal delivery.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your birth options. Ask whether C-section or vaginal delivery is best for you and your baby.
If the First Delivery is Cesarean can the Second be Normal Delivery?
Yes, if you've already gone through a cesarean delivery (also knowns as a c-section), you may be able to have the next vaginal delivery. This is known as vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC). Cesarean delivery is a form of surgery in which your baby is delivered via a cut in your belly and uterus.
But if the indication for the first loss was also like the RPL loss is done. The chances of an RPL c-section are more after the first c-section. However, the first vaginal delivery may also become the next emergency c-section.
Conclusion
So, when deciding on a C-section or vaginal delivery, we encourage you to visit our hospital to seek better consultation & healthcare packages regarding your conditions & situations. And remember to never opt for home remedies or other treatments even if the pain persists. In that regard, quick medical attention can help ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby and minimize the risk of further complications.
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