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Natural birth or C-section?

Nowadays every fifth child in Germany is born via a C-section; indeed in most developed countries worldwide the proportion of Caesarean deliveries is 20%.

In the majority of cases, doctors and mothers-to-be decide in favour of the C-section whenever the birth has to be immediately induced: this might be to avoid danger to health or because preconditions for a natural birth are not present. The surgical birth is especially preferable when the mother-to-be suffers from abnormalities in the pelvis or heart, or from eye diseases, or if she has scars in the area of the pelvis. Other causes can be a problematic birth position of the baby or diseases of the umbilical cord or the placenta - in these cases too, the Caesarean birth is preferable.

Naturally C-sections can also be carried out if the future mother asks for one. For instance, women sometimes opt for a C-section because they are hoping for a less painful and risky birth, or in order to ensure they give birth by a particular date.

Nonetheless you should never forget that the Caesarean birth remains a surgical intervention, which brings associated risks for the mother and the child. A C-section always needs to be carried out quite quickly in order to protect the baby from the narcotics and other medicaments which must always be given to the woman before the operation.

Doctors distinguish between two types of Caesarean births: the primary C-section, where the surgical delivery is carried out before contractions start, and the secondary C-section, which is carried out after indications that contractions have already started - meaning that the natural birth process of already in process.

If you are considering delivering your baby by a Caesarean section, the following advantages and disadvantages might help you to make a decision:

Advantages:

1. 1. A C-section that has been planned in advance brings the advantage that all necessary preparatory steps can be taken in advance, all responsible doctors will be present and you as the mother-to-be will be optimally prepared.
2. 2. Due to the anaesthesia in the spinal cord you will avoid the pain of giving birth.
3. 3. You have the possibility to choose your favoured delivery date, thereby fitting it in with your personal family or occupational circumstances.
4. 4. A Caesarean birth protects the tissue of your pelvic base. Giving birth naturally always implies that parts of this tissue can be destroyed; consequences are negative effects on the control of the straight intestine and the bladder.
5. 5. The baby does not have to go through the stress of a natural birth.

Disadvantages:

1. 1. Every surgical intervention bears some risks. Unexpected bleedings, problems of blood clotting or surgical wounds failing to heal, negative incidents during anaesthesia and scars within the uterus are the most frequently occurring problems.
2. 2. A Caesarean birth is more expensive.
3. 3. A natural birth is usually far more satisfying for the mother, and experts suggest that it facilitates a better bonding between mother and child.

In summary, it can be said that a C-section can be life-saving for the child. Nonetheless it must be noted that a natural birth bears less risks than a C-section.