What is better caesarean section or natural childbirth. Caesarean section or natural childbirth, which is better. What is more painful than a cesarean section or giving birth yourself

Let me tell you about myself first.

At the time of the beginning of pregnancy, I was a full 27 years old. Pregnancy first and long-awaited. Previously, for a long time, I struggled with endometriosis and a cyst in the ovary. The onset of pregnancy was facilitated by treatment with Visanne. Thanks to this drug, endometriosis was minimized, and the size of the cyst decreased.

Pregnancy proceeded generally well, only periodically there was a tone of the uterus.

Doctors confidently asserted that there were no indications for a caesarean section.

According to the reviews of acquaintances and girlfriends, I nevertheless chose paid childbirth (more details). Since the stories about the attitude towards free patients in the maternity hospital were not fire.

On the appointed day, I met with the doctor of my choice at the maternity hospital. After the examination, the doctor confidently announced that I would give birth myself.

At 40 weeks, I went to the hospital in anticipation of the onset of labor.

During the examination on the chair, the doctor announced the news that was not very pleasant for me - the cervix is ​​​​very narrow, there is a chance to give birth on my own, but it is very small. The term, according to her, is not critical, we will wait for the start of labor.

There were no harbingers, like those of the neighbors in the department.

A week went by...nothing happened. I was already ready for a caesarean, if only the baby was all right, because. I've heard a lot about the consequences of "walking over".

The doctor said that caesarean operations are not done "right and left", that confirmation is needed that the stimulation methods are applied in full. I signed a consent to stimulation, and received the first tablet of mifepristone.

The use of mifepristone

Medical termination of uterine pregnancy in the early stages (up to 42 days of amenorrhea), confirmed by a pregnancy test; preparation and induction of labor in full-term pregnancy; emergency (postcoital) contraception within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse or if the method of contraception used cannot be considered reliable (10 mg tablets); treatment of uterine leiomyoma (up to 12 weeks of gestation) (50 mg tablets).

The description of the drug was frightening, and even the end of the working week, but I trusted the doctor and took the first pill .... Nothing ... After that, I took the second pill, and nothing again ...

In constant expectations and worries, I did not pay attention to nausea at night. In the morning, on a round, on examination on a chair, my water broke and contractions began. A council of doctors was convened and the decision was made to operate. Because the cervix did not open even a millimeter, the baby did not descend.

And as according to the law of meanness, all operating rooms were occupied to capacity. I barely survived this unbearable pain during contractions. All this hell went on for an hour and a half. After that, all the same, it turned out to knock out one of the operating rooms without a queue (it was not in vain that the doctor had an agreement for 20 thousand). I happily "ran" to the operation, which I was so afraid of earlier, if only the pain would end soon. I have never experienced anything more painful in my life, the contractions came with a small interval of 1-2 minutes.

The operation went well, the environment in the operating room was positive. The anesthesiologist throughout the operation cheered and joked.

After anesthesia and I felt great, the pain was gone, and here it is a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

After 20-30 minutes I heard my baby crying. Here they are indescribable sensations, such happiness to become a mother and finally see your dear, your little blood!

Thank God, the baby was born healthy, she only swallowed amniotic fluid, which, according to the pediatrician, is not dangerous for the baby's health.

After the operation, the baby was transferred to the intensive care unit, and I was transferred to the intensive care unit.

Many used to be scared about the unbearable pain after surgery, and a long recovery period.

And you know, I realized that a lot depends on the inner mood! I never thought that I had so much self-confidence and a desire to get back on my feet as soon as possible. There was no self-pity that I had before.

You know, there were girls in intensive care who could not get out of bed for a long time. I got up very quickly, and tried to walk more, as the doctors recommended.

There was pain, but not as much as during contractions. Painkillers pricked constantly, thanks to this, the pain was practically not felt.

The recovery period passed quickly, and a week later I was already running around the house, and calmly looked after the child.

Now three months have passed, and I already forget that there is a seam. The seam, by the way, is barely noticeable, cosmetic.



The closer the date of birth, the stronger the woman is overcome by fears. Each has its own: someone is afraid of pain during natural childbirth, someone worries about the health of the child, and someone has an operation due to their condition and well-being. Many women start to panic and make bad decisions due to lack of information. In order to be calm and properly prepare for the birth of a child, you need to know how natural childbirth and cesarean section go, what complications and indications for each type of delivery can be. Which is better: caesarean or natural childbirth?

natural childbirth

Nature intended to carry a child for 9 months and give birth naturally through the birth canal. This process is very important for the baby and with the right attitude of the expectant mother, it will pass with minimal pain.

Positive sides

At 9 months, the baby grows and prepares for the birth. He adopts the correct physiological posture to pass through the birth canal of his mother, his skin is covered with lubricant for the best possible glide. Why natural childbirth is better for baby and mom:

  1. A baby is considered full-term if it is born between 38 and 40 weeks. At this time, all functional systems work quite well and the baby can already live independently outside the mother's body. Each child chooses his own individual date of birth. And this date depends on the readiness of the baby for birth. And if he is not in a hurry to appear, then there are reasons for this and you need to give him time.
  2. During birth and movement through the birth canal, the baby's skin, its mucous membranes are populated by the mother's microorganisms. A child in the womb of a woman is absolutely sterile. It is very important that the necessary and beneficial bacteria get into the crumbs, which will populate the skin, mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract. Otherwise, less beneficial bacteria may attach, which can lead to skin diseases, indigestion, and so on.
  3. No less important is the adaptation of the baby when passing through natural paths. During the break of the waters and the beginning of labor, the child understands on an instinctive level that the difficulties of birth await him ahead and gradually prepares for them. Further advancement is not a shock and surprise for him, even with sufficient strong pressure and contraction of the uterus.

  4. During natural childbirth, a woman's body produces a huge amount of hormones. They are needed to reduce the uterus and pain relief, to stimulate lactation. Part of the hormones also affects the fetus, which prepares the newborn baby for life separately from the mother's body.
  5. It is very important to attach the baby to the mother's breast early. This, as mentioned above, will help him acquire the right microflora. But most importantly, early application will start the lactation process, which will facilitate the further establishment of natural feeding. And also the baby will get the first and most useful milk - colostrum, will not get acquainted with the bottle and the mixture, which means there will be no difficulties later with the wrong grip of the mother's nipple.
  6. Colostrum. The first milk is very useful for the crumbs. It contains a large amount of antibodies, vitamins and nutrients. Even a small drop of colostrum can satisfy a child's first hunger. Such milk is not only nutritious, but also perfectly prepares the gastrointestinal tract of the newborn for further feeding, which in the future can reduce the likelihood of childhood intestinal colic.
  7. Since childbirth is conceived by nature, then the woman is restored with an uncomplicated process quickly enough. Under the influence of hormones, there is a rapid regeneration of tissues and the healing of possible wounds.
  8. After a difficult birth process, a woman receives a well-deserved "reward" - a child. From a psychological point of view, this is the correct and logical conclusion of the gestation process. After natural delivery, under the influence of a huge amount of hormones, a woman begins to experience strong feelings for the baby, the maternal instinct wakes up.

Natural childbirth is always the best and priority for both the woman and the baby. This is true only when gestation and delivery proceed without problems.

Possible Complications

Despite the fact that childbirth is a physiological and natural process, a woman and a child may face certain complications. Most often, during delivery and the passage of the baby through the birth canal, injuries and ruptures of soft tissues can occur. Sometimes an episio- or perineotomy is used - a surgical dissection of the tissues of the perineum with ineffective attempts and difficulties in the birth of the head. This situation may result from:

  • Wrong behavior of a woman in childbirth, when in a panic she does not hear the recommendations of doctors and does not follow the necessary commands.
  • With a large fetus or a large head of a child.
  • With improper advancement of the fetus through the birth canal, for example, prolapse of the handle.
  • With rapid childbirth.

On the part of the child, certain problems can also arise at birth.


example, birth trauma or hypoxia. These conditions occur when the baby is "stuck" in the birth canal and the weakening or extinction of labor activity. Then, to save the life of the baby, radical techniques are used that can inflict various injuries on him. And a long stay of a child in a spasmodic uterus is fraught with serious hypoxia, which will affect neurological problems in the future. Often, when problems arise in natural childbirth, doctors, having assessed the risks for the mother and child, still perform an emergency caesarean section.

Childbirth is a difficult and painful process. Being afraid of pain is absolutely normal and natural for a person. But this is physiology and billions of women have given birth and are giving birth to children. You need to tune in to easy childbirth, but be prepared for strong pain.

It is impossible to predict the occurrence of certain complications in childbirth. If there are no health problems, then natural delivery should definitely be chosen.

C-section

The caesarean section has been used for a long time. The tactics of its implementation are being improved every year. The time of extraction of the child and the volume of surgical access are progressively reduced. This operation saved millions of lives. But no matter how effective it is, it is still an operation that carries certain difficulties and features.

Positive sides

Despite the fact that this is a serious abdominal surgical intervention, it is carried out for the good. And in some cases, it is vital for the birth of a healthy baby and the preservation of a woman's life. What are the advantages of the operation:

  1. With operative delivery, there is no risk of birth injury to the baby. Compared to the natural method, surgical delivery is safer for the baby.
  2. This operation is urgently indicated for life-threatening complications in childbirth, both on the part of the child and on the part of the mother.
  3. A planned operation will allow you to safely deliver a woman who has contraindications for active labor for health reasons with minimal complications.
  4. A caesarean section significantly increases the chances of having healthy babies in multiple pregnancies.
  5. The absence of a period of painful contractions and attempts. An "easier" way to get a baby, bypassing the long and painful period of contractions. But do not forget about the postoperative period.

Of course, if the life and health of the baby and the opportunity to give birth on her own lie on the scales, then the choice is obvious.

Possible Complications

Despite the prevalence and apparent ideality of the method, of course, there are complications, disadvantages and difficulties of the postoperative period. What to expect:

  1. Any surgical intervention is a huge trauma for the body and carries all the dangers inherent in surgery and anesthesia. The outcome of the operation, as well as natural childbirth, no one can predict. Complications can be very different, up to death. Fortunately, this is very rare. One of the common complications is postoperative anemia, which is corrected with iron preparations.
  2. The action of the drug. With general anesthesia, no matter how quickly the baby is removed, some amount of anesthetic still enters his bloodstream. This is manifested in the inhibition of the child, drowsiness, and the absence of a sucking reflex. Fortunately, CNS depression is transient and will disappear as the anesthetic is removed from the baby's body. The effect of anesthesia on a woman's body is also difficult to predict, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and disorientation in time are possible. Spinal anesthesia is more preferable and safer for the child, but it also has disadvantages. There may be insufficient loss of sensation, headaches and increased intracranial pressure, back pain, and even paralysis of the lower extremities. Of course, such formidable complications are not so common, but you need to know about them.
  3. Postoperative wound.
    There is a seam after the operation and it looks small and neat, it will still hurt. In this case, it will be necessary to combine recovery after a caesarean section with caring for a baby, which is quite difficult. To relieve pain, the doctor will prescribe painkillers, which will inevitably enter the child's body with milk. Very often lactation-compatible antibiotics are prescribed after surgery to prevent bacterial infection. Wearing a postoperative bandage significantly relieves pain. Loss of skin sensitivity in the area of ​​the postoperative wound is possible, such changes are in most cases reversible and recover within six months. Of course, the recovery rate and pain threshold are different for everyone, but you need to be prepared for difficulties.
  4. Late breastfeeding. With general anesthesia, breastfeeding after surgery is not possible. This is carried out after the woman regains consciousness after 8-10 hours. Before this, the child is laid out on the father's chest and supplemented with artificial milk mixtures. With regional anesthesia, they are applied to the chest immediately, but still the woman needs more time to recover and have full contact with the child. Lactation begins, as a rule, a couple of days later than with natural childbirth.
  5. From the point of view of psychology, it is better and “more correct” for a woman to give birth herself. Many mothers feel guilty before the child, they are disappointed that they have not coped with the main female task. It is noticed that the maternal instinct after cesarean wakes up a little later.
  6. Recovery after surgery is much longer than after natural childbirth. Muscles and skin regenerate longer and slower. Possible sagging and formation of a skin fold over the seam. For a long time, physical exercises on the press area are contraindicated. Therefore, you can go in for sports only 4-6 months after the approval of the observing gynecologist.

A caesarean section is a major operation that requires indications. Any surgical intervention is dangerous for the body, including childbirth through a caesarean section.

How to choose?

In our country, the law does not provide for the possibility of independent choice of the method of delivery. Natural childbirth is recommended for all healthy women. If there are indications for the state of health of the mother and fetus, the question of the advisability of operative delivery is decided. Absolute evidence is needed to make a positive decision. In the presence of relative indications, the decision on the operation is made at the medical consultation, after assessing all possible complications and advantages of the method in each case.

Natural childbirth is the best physiological way for a baby to be born. Therefore, you need to think about this aspect first of all.


At the same time, if there is a threat to health, then you should not rely on luck. You need to listen to the doctor and choose the most optimal method of delivery, even if it is an operation.

If you know for sure that you will have surgery, then you should not be afraid. It is advisable to get acquainted with the surgeon and anesthesiologist before the operation, to discuss all the exciting moments. The main thing is the result - a healthy mother and baby.

If there are health nuances, but there is a great desire to give birth on their own, then in some cases a woman can be allowed into natural childbirth, but with a ready-made operating room in case of complications. It should be remembered that elective surgery is always preferable to emergency surgery in terms of complication rate and severity.

In any case, you need to take into account all factors and listen to the recommendations of experts. Only a doctor can determine whether natural childbirth or caesarean section is better in each case.


  • Which is better for certain problems

In the field of gynecology and among the inhabitants, disputes about which is better do not subside: natural childbirth or caesarean section - abilities inherent in nature or human intervention. Both methods of delivery have their pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, adherents and opponents. If this does not concern philosophical reasoning, but a responsible decision on how to give birth to a healthy baby, this must be approached very seriously, weigh the pros and cons and choose the so-called golden mean.

Caesarean section: pros and cons

To date, the trend is such that even those women who have no indications for this operation are asked to do a caesarean section. This is an absurd situation: imagine that a person himself insists on having an abdominal incision for no reason.

The myth about the absence of pain during this method led to this state of affairs in gynecology. In fact, the question of which is more painful: caesarean or natural childbirth is very ambiguous. In the first case, pain in the suture area occurs after surgery and lasts about 2-3 weeks, or even longer. With the independent birth of a baby, the pain is stronger, but it is short-lived. All this can be understood if we evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.

Advantages

  • It is the only way out in the presence of a number of medical indications: it helps to give birth to a child with a narrow pelvis in a woman, a large fetus, placenta previa, etc.;
  • anesthesia makes the process of childbirth comfortable, they are easier: after all, most young mothers are afraid not to endure exactly painful contractions;
  • the absence of perineal tears, which means a faster return of one's sexual attractiveness, sexual life;
  • the time is faster: the operation usually lasts about half an hour (from 25 to 45 minutes), depending on the condition of the woman in labor and her individual characteristics, while natural childbirth sometimes takes up to 12 hours;
  • the possibility of planning the operation at a convenient time, choosing the optimal day of the week and even the date;
  • predictable outcome, unlike natural childbirth;
  • the risk of hemorrhoids is minimal;
  • the absence of birth injuries during attempts and contractions - both in the mother and in the child.

Plus or minus? Often, among the advantages of a caesarean section, the absence of birth injuries and injuries in a woman and her baby during attempts and contractions is called, however, according to statistics, there are more newborns with injuries of the cervical region or suffering from postnatal encephalopathy after such an operation than after natural, independent childbirth. So which procedure is safer in this regard, there is no definite answer.

Flaws

  • Serious complications for the health and well-being of a young mother as a result of a caesarean section occur 12 times more often than during natural childbirth;
  • anesthesia and other types of anesthesia (spinal or epidural) used for caesarean section do not pass without a trace;
  • difficult and long recovery period;
  • profuse blood loss, which can subsequently lead to anemia;
  • the need for bed rest for some time (up to several months) after a cesarean section, which greatly interferes with the care of the newborn;
  • soreness of the seam, which makes you drink medication painkillers;
  • difficulties in the development of lactation: in terms of breastfeeding, caesarean delivery is worse than natural childbirth, since in the first days after the operation the baby has to be fed with mixtures, and in some cases the mother’s milk may never appear;
  • a ban on playing sports after a cesarean section for 3-6 months, which means the inability to quickly restore the figure after childbirth;
  • ugly, unaesthetic seam on the stomach;
  • after a caesarean section, they may not allow natural childbirth in the future (more on this here);
  • a scar on the surface of the uterus, complicating the next pregnancy and childbirth;
  • adhesive processes in the abdominal cavity;
  • the impossibility of getting pregnant in the next 2 years (the best option is 3 years), since pregnancy and new births will pose a serious danger, and for the health and life of not only the young mother, but also the baby;
  • the need for constant medical supervision during the postoperative period;
  • the harmful effects of anesthesia on the baby;
  • the child does not produce special substances (proteins and hormones) that affect his further adaptation to the environment and mental activity.

Keep in mind that…
... general anesthesia in some cases ends with shock, pneumonia, circulatory arrest, serious damage to brain cells; spinal and epidural often entail inflammation at the puncture site, inflammation of the meninges, injuries of the spine, nerve cells. Natural childbirth excludes such complications.

Today, there is a lot of talk about the harmful effects of anesthesia during caesarean section on both the mother's body and the baby. And yet, if there is even the slightest danger to the health or life of one of the participants in childbirth (mother or baby), and the only way out is a caesarean section, you need to listen to the recommendations of doctors and use this technique. In other cases, the question of which birth is better is decided unambiguously: preference should be given to the natural course of this process.

Natural childbirth: pros and cons

The answer to the question why natural childbirth is better than caesarean section is obvious: because in the absence of medical indications, surgical intervention in the human body is not the norm. This leads to various complications and negative consequences. If you look at the pros and cons of self-delivery, their ratio in quantitative terms will speak for itself.


Advantages

  • the birth of a child is a normal process provided for by nature: the female body is designed so that the baby at birth acquires everything that he needs for normal life - this is why caesarean is worse than natural childbirth;
  • the child gains experience in overcoming difficulties, difficulties and obstacles, which helps him in later life;
  • there is a gradual, but quite natural adaptation of the newborn to new conditions for him;
  • the baby's body is tempered;
  • immediately after birth, it is better for a child if it is applied to the mother's breast, which contributes to their inextricable connection, the rapid establishment of lactation;
  • the postpartum recovery process for the female body as a result of natural childbirth is much faster than after a traumatic caesarean section;
  • accordingly, a young mother in this case can independently take care of the baby immediately after discharge from the hospital.

Scientific fact! Today, all sorts of studies are being conducted about the effect of caesarean section on the baby. It is discussed not only by doctors, but also by teachers, pediatricians, psychologists. According to the latest scientific findings, children who were born in this way adapt worse, often lag behind in development, and as adults, often show low stress tolerance and infantilism, unlike those who were born during natural childbirth.

Flaws

  • natural childbirth involves severe pain during contractions and attempts;
  • pain in the perineum;
  • risk of tears in the perineum, which entails the need for suturing.

Obviously, cesarean delivery differs from natural childbirth both in the methods of influencing the female body, and in the course of the whole process, and in its consequences. You need to be especially careful when complex, ambiguous situations arise.

Which is better: caesarean or natural childbirth for certain problems

The question of which is better: cesarean or natural childbirth arises in certain cases when there are deviations from the normal development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy. If any problems arise, doctors analyze the situation and offer the woman two options - to agree to an operation or to give birth at her own peril and risk. What should a future mother do in such an exciting and ambiguous situation? First of all, you need to listen to the opinion of the doctor, but also to understand at least a little about the problem that she has in order to make the right decision.

large fruit

If an ultrasound scan showed that a woman has a large fetus (a hero weighing 4 kg or more is considered such), the doctor must correctly assess her physical indicators, physique and figure. Natural childbirth in such a situation is quite possible if:

  • the expectant mother herself is far from small;
  • examination shows that the bones of her pelvis will easily disperse during childbirth;
  • her previous children are also all large and born naturally.

However, not all women have such physical data. If the expectant mother has a narrow pelvis, and the baby's head, according to the ultrasound, does not correspond in size to her pelvic ring, it is better to agree to a caesarean section. It will avoid complex tissue ruptures and make it easier for the child to be born. Otherwise, natural childbirth can end tragically for both: the baby is injured himself and will cause serious damage to his mother.

After IVF

Today, the attitude of doctors to childbirth after IVF (in vitro fertilization procedure) has changed. If even 10 years ago, after it, only a caesarean section was possible without any other options, today a woman in such a situation can give birth on her own without any problems. Indications for caesarean section after IVF are the following factors:


  • the desire of the woman herself;
  • age over 35 years;
  • multiple pregnancy;
  • fetoplacental insufficiency;
  • chronic diseases;
  • if infertility has been for 5 years or more;
  • preeclampsia;
  • threatened miscarriage.

If the expectant mother who went through IVF is young, healthy, feels great, the reason for infertility was a man, she can, if desired, give birth naturally. At the same time, all stages of independent childbirth in this case - contractions, attempts, passage of the birth canal by the child, separation of the placenta - proceed in the same way as after natural conception.

Twins

If the ultrasound showed that there will be twins, monitoring the condition of the mother and babies becomes more thorough and attentive on the part of doctors. The question may even arise as to whether a woman can give birth to them on her own. The indication for caesarean section in this case is the age of the woman in labor over 35 years and the presentation of both fetuses:

  • if one baby is located down the ass and the other is head down, the doctor will not recommend natural childbirth, as there is a risk that they can catch heads with each other and be seriously injured;
  • with their transverse presentation, a caesarean section is also performed.

In all other cases, if the expectant mother is healthy, twins are born on their own.

Birth of monochorionic twins

If monochorionic twins that are fed from the same placenta are expected, they rarely go naturally and without complications. There are too many risks in this case: premature birth of babies, they often get tangled in the umbilical cord, the birth itself lasts much longer than usual, which can lead to a weakening of labor activity. Therefore, in most cases today, mothers of monochorionic twins are offered a caesarean section. This will avoid unforeseen situations and complications. Although in gynecological practice there are cases when monochorionic twins were born naturally and without any problems.

Breech presentation of the fetus

If a breech presentation of the fetus is diagnosed in the last weeks of pregnancy, the woman in labor is hospitalized in order to find out the method of delivery. Natural childbirth is possible in the following cases:

  • if the mother's age is up to 35 years;
  • if she is healthy, she does not have any chronic diseases and at the time of delivery she feels great;
  • if she herself burns with the desire to give birth on her own;
  • if there are no deviations in the development of the fetus;
  • if the ratio of the size of the child and the pelvis of the mother will allow him to pass the birth canal without problems and complications;
  • breech presentation;
  • normal head position.

All these factors together can allow a woman to give birth on her own, even with a breech presentation of the fetus. But this happens only in 10% of such situations. The most common choice is a caesarean section. With a foot breech presentation of the baby, the risk of an unfavorable outcome is too great: loops of the umbilical cord fall out, the child’s condition is strangled, etc. Excessive extension of the head is also considered dangerous, which can lead to such birth injuries as damage to the cervical or cerebellum.

Asthma

Bronchial asthma is not an absolute indication for caesarean section. Everything will depend on the degree and stage of exacerbation of the disease. With natural childbirth, there is a risk that a woman will begin to suffocate and she will lose the rhythm of proper breathing, which means so much when a baby is born.

But modern obstetricians know how to get out of this situation and minimize the risks for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, in the presence of asthma of any kind, it is necessary to consult several specialists 2-3 months before the birth, who will determine the degree of possible risks and advise what would be better in such a situation - a caesarean section or natural childbirth.

For rheumatoid arthritis

Whether a woman can give birth naturally with rheumatoid arthritis can only be decided by a doctor, having examined the characteristics of this disease in each case. On the one hand, rheumatologists and gynecologists often decide on a caesarean section for the following reasons:


  • the load on the knees during the birth of the baby is very large;
  • the pelvic bones in rheumatoid arthritis can disperse so much that then the woman in labor will have to stay in bed for a month, since she simply cannot get up;
  • the disease belongs to the category of autoimmune, and they all differ in an unforeseen and unpredictable outcome.

At the same time, AR is not an absolute and unshakable indicator for caesarean section. Everything will depend on the condition of the woman and the nature of the course of the disease. Many natural births in such a situation ended quite well.

Polycystic kidney disease

A rather serious disease is polycystic kidney disease, when multiple cysts form in their tissues. In the absence of an exacerbation of this disease and good health, mothers may be allowed to give birth naturally, although in most cases, in order to avoid complications and unforeseen situations, doctors advise a caesarean section.

If you do not know what to give preference to, it is better to rely on the opinion of a doctor, and not make independent decisions, focusing on fashion trends from the West, where a surgical operation to extract (not birth!) A child from the womb has become commonplace. Weigh the pros and cons: if there is a threat to the health and even more so the life of an unborn baby, without hesitation, trust the doctors and agree to a caesarean section. If there are no medical indications for this operation, give birth yourself: let the baby be born naturally.

Children are increasingly being born by caesarean section. In Russia, the proportion of these surgical interventions is already 23%. Reasons for caesarean section are not always medical - many women insist on surgery due to a strong fear of childbirth. A new concept has even appeared in the world - tokophobia. Why are women afraid of natural childbirth, and is a caesarean section safe without indications?

Why caesarean section is better than natural childbirth - the advantages of the method

Caesarean section is the only choice if there is an absolute medical indication. The operation helps the baby to be born with a narrow pelvis in the mother, a mismatch in the size of the fetus and the birth canal, placenta previa, and so on.

A caesarean without medical indications also has some advantages:

  • Anesthesia makes the birth of the baby comfortable.
  • The fetus does not pass through the birth canal, which means that there are no perineal ruptures.
  • A caesarean is much faster than a natural birth.
  • The operation can be scheduled at a convenient time, day of the week.
  • The outcome of a caesarean section is much more predictable.
  • The child does not receive birth injuries during contractions and attempts.

caesarean really saves a woman from painful contractions. It is this plus of the operation that makes it so fashionable.

A big plus for a modern woman is and no perineal tears and weakening the tone of the walls of the vagina. Many women worry about whether they will remain sexually attractive after having a baby.

Faster delivery with the help of caesarean section is not in doubt. After all, childbirth takes 12-20 hours, and the operation - only 30-40 minutes. However, the recovery period after surgery is much longer than after natural childbirth.

The predictability of the outcome of a caesarean section and the absence of birth trauma in a baby could attract most reasonable women. However, just these advantages are always in question. Oddly enough, there are even more children with cervical trauma and postnatal encephalopathy after caesarean than after conventional birth.

In addition to some advantages, caesarean section without indications has obvious disadvantages.

Video: Caesarean section - pros and cons

Why is a caesarean section worse than EP?

A caesarean section is a major operation that carries certain risks for the mother and baby. It is known that severe complications for the mother are 12 times more common with caesarean section than in natural childbirth.

Anesthesia is a big risk. Anesthesia and regional anesthesia (spinal, epidural) for caesarean section can cause great harm to health.

In some cases, general anesthesia ends with shock, circulatory arrest, damage to brain cells, pneumonia. Spinal and epidural anesthesia can be complicated by inflammation at the puncture site, inflammation of the membranes of the spinal cord, trauma to the spine and nervous tissue.

Other disadvantages of cesarean are not related to anesthesia

  • Difficult recovery period.
  • Greater blood loss than in natural childbirth.
  • The need for bed and protective rest, which interferes with the care of the baby for the first time.
  • Soreness of the seam, pain syndrome.
  • Difficulties in breastfeeding.
  • You can not play sports and do exercises for the press for several months.
  • Cosmetic seam on the skin of the abdomen.
  • A scar on the uterus, complicating subsequent pregnancies and childbirth.
  • Adhesive process in the abdominal cavity.
  • Danger to health and life in case of early pregnancy (earlier than in 2-3 years).
  • The need for regular medical supervision in the postoperative period.
  • The effect of anesthesia on the baby.
  • At the time of birth, a child does not produce proteins and hormones that affect mental activity and adaptation.

The recovery period after a caesarean section is quite difficult. Stress for the body is associated with the operation itself, and with the abrupt termination of pregnancy.

Hormonal disorders are manifested in Difficulty initiating breastfeeding. Milk appears much later than after natural childbirth. In some cases, the baby has to be supplemented from the first days of life, which does not contribute to normal lactation.

A woman has to limit yourself in food, monitor digestion, move moderately. In the first months, it is not recommended to lift weights of more than 2 kg, play sports, swim in ponds, and have sex. Due to the weakness and danger of breaking the seam, a woman cannot fully care for a newborn.

Blood loss and inflammation after the intervention can lead to the development anemia, abdominal adhesions, chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Pain in the postoperative period continues for several days. Soreness of the seam persists for a long time. Almost all women have to resort to painkillers on the first day after cesarean.

The impact of a caesarean section on a child is discussed by pediatricians, educators and psychologists. Research shows that children born as a result of the operation adapt worse, tend to lag behind in development. In adulthood, they often demonstrate infantilism and inability to overcome stress.


Recent scientific work in this direction has shown that during natural childbirth, the concentration of a special thermogenin protein, which affects higher nervous activity and memory, increases in the child's body.

Which is better: caesarean section or natural childbirth: the opinion of specialists and patients

Obstetricians and pediatricians unequivocally believe unwanted caesarean section without medical indications. The operation carries too many risks, and does not make the birth of a child comfortable for the mother.

Obstetricians consider caesarean section without indications to be undesirable, since all subsequent pregnancies will be aggravated by this fact. After operative delivery, it is necessary to carefully protect yourself for 2-3 years, since both early childbirth and abortion are extremely dangerous for the suture on the uterus.

At the same time, with another baby, you can’t hesitate too long: Less than 10 years should pass from the previous cesarean to the next pregnancy.

Pediatricians especially emphasize the negative impact of caesarean section without indications on breastfeeding and the further development of the baby. These problems can be overcome, but creating them for yourself unnecessarily is very short-sighted.

The opinion of pregnant women about caesarean section was studied. In Russia, every tenth woman insists on operative delivery, having no evidence. Those women who are most likely to be afraid of natural childbirth are those who have encountered complications with the birth of their first child.

The main advantage of a planned caesarean section for women is the elimination of pain during contractions and attempts. But obstetricians call a more rational solution for tocophobia civilized approach to childbirth pain relief: spinal or epidural anesthesia.

Many families are wondering what to choose - natural childbirth or caesarean section. The choice of the nature of the surgical intervention depends entirely on the decision of the doctor. Like all operations, this effect has certain indications. Modern doctors have noted that many women resort to caesarean section on their own. This is a worrying sign. Normally, the number of operations should not be performed in more than 10% of patients. Today this number is growing. To understand how the operation affects the body of the mother and child, it is necessary to understand its characteristics.

Etiology of surgery

The operation is performed through access in the abdominal cavity. The child is taken out through various types of incisions. The main impact is carried out by laparoscopic intervention through a small incision above the pubic bone.

The technique allows minimizing injury to several layers of tissues. On the site of the pubic bone, the tissues are in close contact. This avoids rough scars and injuries to the child.

This form of the seam does not cause problems for a woman. The development of complications with this method of surgery is minimized. The recovery period does not have a long duration.

In rare cases, a more severe section is performed. It is carried out when there is a threat of death of the fetus or mother in the process of labor. This technique is performed with an incision from the pubis to the navel. A longitudinal incision gives the doctor access to all organs of the abdominal region. The doctor immediately takes the child out. This technique allows to reduce the time of access to the uterus to 10 minutes. This reduces the time of lack of oxygen in the fetus. The disadvantage of this operation is a long healing time and the presence of a rough noticeable scar. In this case, the scar does not allow the woman to wear open underwear.

As with other interventions, a caesarean section requires a woman to follow a number of rules. They allow the woman to recover.

Benefits for the patient

To understand what is better caesarean or natural childbirth, it is necessary to consider their positive aspects. Caesarean section has a number of positive effects. The following advantages of the operation are distinguished:

  • short temporary impact;
  • elimination of labor activity;
  • preservation of the genitals.

Caesarean section has an average duration of 30 minutes. During the operation, the patient is under anesthesia. The child is removed from the abdominal cavity and given to the doctors for postoperative treatment. The umbilical cord with the placenta is also removed by the doctor. The peritoneum is sutured.

2 days before surgery, the woman goes to the hospital for preparation. She does a variety of tests. The doctor examines the condition of the blood, urine. A vaginal smear is also examined for the presence of pathogens. A day before the intervention, a woman is assigned a dietary table, which allows the intestines to cleanse themselves. Before the operation, the patient stops drinking. This allows you to reduce the pressure of blood vessels.

The operation allows you to avoid the main fears - the impact of labor on the body. All patients before childbirth experience fear of severe pain from the process. For this reason, the majority of women believe that it is better to do a caesarean section, since the process is under anesthesia. Increased anxiety is observed in patients who are due to give birth for the first time. The first labor activity can develop within a few days. The operation also reduces the intervention time.

There is an opinion that after natural childbirth, the vagina is greatly stretched and cannot restore its shape. Surgical intervention excludes the opening of the cervix and the passage of the child's paths. This avoids rupture of the vagina and external genitalia. Also, the vagina does not need time to recover and heal. After childbirth, the woman retains the usual forms of the genitals.

If you have to choose whether to give birth by yourself or by caesarean, then you should consider the advantages of natural activity. Natural childbirth has the following positive aspects:

  • timely hormonal changes;
  • proper preparation of the body;
  • quick arrival of milk;
  • lack of a healing period;
  • emergency discharge from the hospital.

An important aspect during natural childbirth is hormonal changes in the body. Throughout pregnancy, the body is driven by progesterone. This substance is involved in the development of the embryo and controls the nutrition of the fetus. If it is not enough, then the embryo does not take root. At the end of the gestation period, the progesterone content decreases. The reins are taken over by oxytocin. The hormone enhances the contractile function of the uterine body. The fetus begins to descend into the birth canal. Oxytocin also contributes to the fact that the baby will be born head down.

After the end of the process, oxytocin does not stop its action. The hormone helps the uterus to gradually return to its original size. Also oxytocin causes mouth prolactin. It serves as a lactation activator. For this reason, against the background of natural childbirth, milk comes in 2-3 days. Hormonal changes are the reason why it is better to give birth on your own.

The undoubted advantage is the absence of a healing period. Minor tears do not occur in all women. For this reason, the patient needs little time to rest after natural childbirth. After a few hours, the woman can make the usual movements. Eating is also allowed.

If a woman does not have any problems during childbirth, she quickly recovers. The absence of problems gives a chance for a quick discharge. In most perinatal centers, the woman in labor is discharged home after 3 days.

Negatives for a woman

To decide what to choose - natural childbirth or caesarean section, you should study their negative sides. Caesarean section has such disadvantages as:

  • postoperative period;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • anesthesia;

The main difficulty with caesarean section is the presence of the postoperative period. A seam requires a woman to follow certain rules. The wound does not allow the patient to make sudden movements. Physical activity after the operation is prohibited. You should also carefully monitor the healing of the seam. The initial processing is carried out by a specialist.

The seam must be wiped with antiseptic solutions and treated with drying drugs. The surface of the wound is covered with a sterile bandage, which does not allow the penetration of pathogens. Further processing is carried out independently.

There is a risk of developing various postoperative complications. Often there is such a problem as the divergence of the postpartum suture. Pathology is diagnosed 5-7 days after caesarean section. The fault of its manifestation is non-observance of physical rest. In this case, the time the woman stays in the hospital increases.

There is also a risk of developing a fistulous canal. The fistula is formed due to the incomplete dissolution of the medical thread applied to the muscle fibers. The process begins with the appearance of a small seal on the surface of the seam. After some time, the seal opens, purulent fluid appears from it. When cleaning the fistulous canal, the doctor detects the remnants of threads. In order for the canal to heal, it is necessary to remove necrotic tissue and apply a new suture.

The operation also harms the condition of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity. The wound healing process is accompanied by the formation of scar tissue. It can penetrate deep layers and affect organs. A spike forms on the affected area. The adhesive process is often the cause of a woman's further infertility.

Caesarean section excludes timely restructuring of the hormonal background. The woman is operated on before the onset of labor. The section must be done no later than the end of the 38th week. In this case, the hormonal background of the woman is preserved as during pregnancy.

Oxytocin in the body begins to be produced only at the beginning of breastfeeding. In rare cases, lactation after surgery is not possible. Since the hormones are rebuilt for a long time, the start of the menstrual cycle in the patient is delayed. The first menstruation after the operation may begin in a few months. If they do not start, the fault may lie in a hormonal disorder. The woman will need long-term therapy.

Another unpleasant moment of caesarean section is anesthesia. Women believe that the absence of childbirth is good. In fact, anesthesia has a negative effect. The pathological effect of anesthesia extends to the nervous system and brain function. No more than 5 deep anesthesias are allowed during a lifetime. Also, anesthesia has another unpleasant consequence. The first hours after surgery, the woman experiences severe headaches, dizziness. There is nausea and vomiting. This state can last no more than a day. During this time, the patient cannot eat. Digestion is difficult.

Patients experience severe stress. It is associated with the lack of preparation of the body for motherhood. In natural childbirth, the interaction between mother and child is established. This allows you to quickly establish the process of feeding and care. During the operation, this preparation for motherhood does not occur. The incompleteness of the process causes postpartum depression.

Natural childbirth also has its downsides. The main disadvantage is the duration and pain of labor. A woman who has given birth knows this feature. But the paths for such patients are already prepared. Repeated births will be faster. If the birth is the first, then they can last up to several days. The opening of the cervix is ​​accompanied by pain. The syndrome intensifies with the onset of contractions. Attempts account for the peak of pain. This scares many firstborns.

The second negative point is the appearance of gaps. Stormy labor activity is accompanied by the rapid passage of the child along the paths. The paths do not have time to expand to the required size. For this reason, the fetus paves the way with its head sharply. Against this background, ruptures of the cervix, labia minora and vaginal walls occur. Such injuries can lead to the development of further complications of sexual life.

Rapid natural childbirth also has a negative effect. Such activity can cause rapid hormonal changes. As a result, background disturbance may occur. Restoration of the system is carried out with drug therapy.

Pros and cons for a child

When choosing between childbirth or having surgery, the condition of the baby should be taken into account. The choice should be what is best for the child. A caesarean section has such advantages for the baby as:

  • application at any size;
  • rapid birth;
  • lack of stress.

Should a large fetus be caesarean or natural childbirth? Operations should be preferred. A large fruit is considered from 4.5 kg. With this weight, the child can get stuck in the lower birth canal. The problem is exacerbated by the development of hypoxia. There is intrauterine strangulation of the child. Caesarean section avoids unpleasant complications.

Also, the operation allows you to give birth to a baby that has an incorrect location in the uterine cavity. A caesarean section is prescribed for transverse localization of the child or attachment of the placenta to the anterior wall of the uterus. Natural childbirth will not allow this.

During surgery, the child does not need to make his way. It retains its normal shape. The bones of the skull are not deformed. The fetus is removed from the uterus in a few seconds. He does not get tired during childbirth.

Natural labor activity also has a number of positive effects. During fetal development, the baby's lungs are filled with fluid. When passing through the paths, it is excreted from the lungs. The baby is born with a fully prepared respiratory system. This avoids the development of postpartum pneumonia.

In natural activities, the baby experiences a psychological connection with the mother. This helps the baby avoid stress at birth.

The disadvantages of caesarean section are considered. An anesthetic substance has a negative effect on the condition of the fetus. It enters the fetus through the placenta. After the operation, the child remains under anesthesia for a long time. The drug causes the baby to refuse to take the breast. The child sleeps for a long time. Physical activity is restored only after the drug is removed from the body.

The disadvantage of surgery is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. After the operation, the lungs are cleaned with a special apparatus. The rest of the liquid is preserved. After a while, they cause inflammation. Fluid builds up in the lungs again. Pneumonia develops.

Natural childbirth can also have a negative effect on the child. If the fetus is mallocated or large, there is a risk of hypoxia. The fetus cannot move forward. There is a decrease in oxygen. The child begins to choke. Hypoxia negatively affects the further development of the child.

There is a risk of intracranial pressure. It appears when the fetus passes through the birth canal incorrectly. In this process, the bones of the skull are narrowed for easier passage of the child. The bones put pressure on the brain. With strong pressure, fluid accumulates between the bones and the brain. Pathology requires medical treatment. If it does not help, surgical intervention is prescribed. This problem has been occurring frequently in recent years. This is due to poor environmental conditions.

Before childbirth, a woman must choose how they will pass. To facilitate the choice, you should carefully study all the positive and negative aspects of both types of childbirth. It is also necessary to consult a doctor. Only then can a decision be made.

Natural births are those births that took place with minimal medical intervention in a calm, almost homely environment in a short period of time. The first birth should not exceed more than 12 hours, for those who give birth for the second time, more than 10 hours.

  1. The Benefits of Normal Birth
  2. Pros and cons
  3. Indications for surgery
  4. Preparatory process for birth
  5. Childbirth after caesarean section

Every pregnant woman looks forward to the day when she can see and hug her baby for the first time. But they are on the way to this bright event - such frightening childbirth! And most expectant mothers ask themselves the question: how best to give birth - on their own or with the help of a caesarean section? Which way is safer for the baby, and which one will bring the least discomfort to her?

This is a very sensitive topic, you need to approach it only in dialogue with your personal doctor. But we will try to understand the issue in order to understand when you can give birth naturally, and when you should prepare for a caesarean section.

Arguments "for" naturalness

Nature has endowed woman with an incredible gift: to give birth to people. And she provided her with all the “tools” and “mechanisms” necessary for this. That is why natural childbirth has a number of huge advantages that every woman should know about.

First, the traditional way of resolution is the very first and most important test in a child's life. It is not by chance that nature sets this difficult task for the fetus: to pave the way from the mother's belly. This is how his adaptive abilities begin to form. That is, having gone through a certain stress, the child is better prepared to meet the new world.

Secondly, if you give birth yourself, then the physical recovery will take a minimum of time. Already on the second day, the woman becomes independent, can walk and take the child in her arms. But women in labor who have gone through a caesarean section have serious problems with this .... They can’t lift weights for a long time, including their baby. Naturally, this affects the emotional background of the mother, who wants to start babysitting with a cute baby as soon as possible.

Thirdly, with the traditional method, a woman gets milk faster. This is definitely better. The process of natural childbirth is completely regulated by hormones, including oxytocin. He is also "responsible" for lactation. Accordingly, after the baby is born (naturally, if this happened in the usual way), the mother quickly has colostrum or milk.

And another important aspect that scientists are carefully researching. Studies show that women who give birth naturally are less prone to postpartum depression. They better adapt to the new role of mother for themselves and quickly establish contact with the baby. There is no absolute evidence, but numerous real stories only confirm this fact.

Complications everyone should be aware of

Some women are very afraid of pain and hope that only at their request (or with the help of money) the doctor will agree to perform a caesarean section. But in vain! This is not a harmless procedure: fell asleep - woke up - and here is the baby. And not a single adequate and decent gynecologist will give such a recommendation without special evidence. After all, we are talking about a serious operation that can have consequences for both the mother and the newborn.

According to statistics, complications for the mother occur 12 times more often with caesarean section than with traditional births. What can they be?

  • Profuse bleeding. A woman giving birth herself loses about 250 ml of blood. But those who have used the help of surgeons may lose a whole liter. Such a large blood loss can lead to severe anemia, as well as the development of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. To compensate for blood loss, immediately after childbirth, women are prescribed special drugs.
  • The appearance of adhesions in the abdominal cavity. These are special films, due to which the fusion of internal organs occurs. On the one hand, we are dealing with a protective mechanism that resists purulent processes. On the other hand, adhesions interfere with the normal functioning of organs.
  • Longer and more difficult recovery period. After surgery, the woman comes to her senses for two months. And the scar left as a result of a cesarean can hurt and remind of itself for as long as 6-12 months.
  • A ban on re-pregnancy within the next 2-3 years. During this time, the body of the woman in labor comes into full condition, and the suture on the uterus heals. If you get pregnant earlier, the stitches may rupture.

Absolute ban!

However, there are situations when it is absolutely impossible to give birth on your own. And it is better not to neglect the prohibition of doctors - this can negatively affect the health of a woman and crumbs.

There are absolute indications for which a caesarean section is mandatory. This list includes:

  • too narrow mother's pelvis;
  • increased risk of uterine rupture (this happens if the previous birth was by caesarean section, there was a seam on the organ that did not have time to heal);
  • placenta previa (in some cases, it is attached above the cervix, thereby blocking the exit of the child; during natural childbirth, severe blood loss can occur);
  • premature detachment of the placenta (usually it occurs after the baby was born, but in some cases, detachment occurs before childbirth, and this is an absolute indication for surgery).

When is additional monitoring required?

In addition, there are relative indications that mean that natural childbirth is possible. However, they can cause a threat to health and even life, and not only the mother, but also the baby. To do or not to do a cesarean with these indications, again, will be decided by the doctor. And it is better to calmly accept his “verdict”, without entering into an argument and without defending your point of view.

Relative indications for surgery can be a variety of chronic diseases. They are united by a common danger: the loads that accompany natural childbirth can give impetus to an even greater development of ailments. Here is a list of diseases that are relative indications for caesarean section:

  • cardiovascular pathologies;
  • myopia of a high degree, complicated changes in the fundus of the eye;
  • some disorders of the nervous system;
  • oncology - and any organs.

In addition, the closest attention is paid to mothers suffering from the sexual form of herpes. If the disease is in remission before childbirth, this will be an indication for natural childbirth. If the timing is right for giving birth, and painful herpetic sores appear on the genitals, be sure: the doctor will send you to the surgical table. And he will be absolutely right! After all, a recurrence of herpes can lead to the fact that the newborn will also get sick. It is better not to expose the child to infection just because you really want to perform a “maternal feat” and give birth to yourself.

Think about what's best for your baby

Doctors may prohibit giving birth on their own if there is a threat to the health and life of the child. This happens when the fetus is in a transverse position, when both the head and the ass are located in the lateral sections of the uterus. In this case, the woman is hospitalized at the 37th week, some research is done and a caesarean is performed.

Another incorrect position of the child is breech presentation. But in this case, the doctor must take into account other risk factors. For example, a too narrow pelvis of a woman in labor and a large weight of the fetus. If all the negative circumstances converge - well, you need to do a caesarean!

And finally, hypoxia is a condition when the child does not have enough oxygen. It can be chronic (if the deficiency was observed throughout the entire pregnancy), as well as acute (if for some reason it occurs during childbirth). The last case is the most dangerous. It can lead to the death of a newborn. Therefore, doctors, choosing the method of childbirth that will be better for the baby, send the mother to do a caesarean section.

Don't believe in myths

There are several myths about babies born by caesarean section. We are in a hurry to destroy them.

  • Myth #1

All "cesareans" lag behind in development from babies born naturally. In fact, the way of being born does not affect the intelligence or physical characteristics of the child.

  • Myth #2

When performing a caesarean section, the natural bond between mother and baby is disrupted. This is not true. Any connection is formed not during the passage of the child through the birth canal, but during regular communication, joint games, hugs and kisses.

  • Myth #3

Adult "caesareans" are less successful than their peers born in the traditional way. Among famous politicians, actors, musicians, there are a huge number of those who were born as a result of surgical intervention! And their success is the result of some innate qualities, good upbringing, education and constant work on themselves.

Thus, giving birth to a child herself or preparing for a caesarean section is a decision that a woman cannot make on her own. Both the first and the second methods have their pros and cons. However, only a doctor can determine with high accuracy which of the two options will be as harmless as possible for a woman in labor and her baby. And safety is the most important thing, because we are talking about several lives at once!

Nowadays, women are increasingly discussing what would be better for them: to have a caesarean section or to trust the natural process of childbirth? Conventional childbirth often causes fear in women, especially those giving birth for the first time or who had complications in previous births. This leads to the fact that the percentage of women in labor choosing a caesarean section is increasing. Indeed, many believe that it is much easier to fall asleep and wake up already having a child than to suffer during the dangerous process of childbirth.

But before you decide which is better - a caesarean section or natural childbirth, it is worth considering the processes of natural childbirth and cesarean section operations in a little more detail and list their pros and cons.

C-section

A caesarean section is a surgical operation in which the baby is taken out through an incision in the uterus. This operation was practiced in antiquity in case of death of a woman in the later stages of pregnancy. At present, thanks to the improvement of surgery and the emergence of antibiotics, it does not pose a serious danger to the mother and has become widespread in obstetric practice.

Advantages:

  • The only solution in case of certain diseases, adverse circumstances or shortcomings of the woman's body. These include: narrow pelvis, large fetus, placenta previa, some cardiovascular and ophthalmic diseases, kidney disease.
  • The absence of pain during contractions and attempts, which can be an important factor for women with a low pain threshold.
  • Reducing the risk of birth injuries to mother and child. In particular, the mother is less likely to rupture the perineum and the formation of hemorrhoids, and the child - deformity of the head. However, as statistics show, the risk of some injuries in newborns with caesarean section may be higher than with vaginal delivery. Such injuries include cervical injuries and postnatal encephalopathy.
  • Childbirth with a cesarean section proceeds quickly - 25-45 minutes. Natural childbirth in some cases can take up to 24 hours.
  • Possibility of planning the operation, choosing the right time for childbirth.
  • More predictable outcome.

Flaws:

  • Higher risk of postpartum complications - up to 12 times compared with natural childbirth.
  • The negative impact of anesthesia on the body of a woman and an infant. With general anesthesia, there is a risk of cardiac arrest, pneumonia, and damage to nerve cells. With spinal and endural anesthesia - inflammation of the puncture site, meninges, spinal injury.
  • Long recovery period.
  • Large blood loss, often leading to anemia.
  • Bed rest after surgery interferes with newborn care.
  • The suture remaining after the operation causes pain for weeks, which leads to the need to take painkillers.
  • Difficulty starting breastfeeding due to hormonal imbalances. This leads to the need to use mixtures in the first days after surgery.
  • Restrictions on sports after surgery, which complicates the restoration of the figure.
  • Risk of not being able to give birth naturally in the future.
  • The possibility of scarring on the surface of the uterus, adhesions in the abdominal cavity, infection in the abdominal cavity.
  • Refusal to give birth in the next 2-3 years. This time is necessary so that the surgical suture on the uterus is completely tightened, and there would be no risk of rupture during the next birth.
  • Constant medical supervision after surgery.
  • The lack of the necessary hormones for the child to adapt to the environment.

natural childbirth

Childbirth is the process of completing a pregnancy, which consists in the expulsion of the fetus and placenta.
from the uterus by contracting the muscular walls of the uterus.

Advantages:

  • Childbirth is a natural process. It is more predictable and studied.
  • Natural childbirth, as a rule, occurs at the “right” moment, when the bodies of the child and mother are most prepared for them.
  • During childbirth, the child's body gradually adapts to the changing environment.
  • Less recovery period of the mother's body compared to surgery.
  • The mother can start breastfeeding and caring for her baby immediately after birth.

Flaws:

  • Severe pain during contractions and attempts.
  • Increased risk of perineal tears and some other postpartum injuries.

In some cases of abnormal pregnancy, only a caesarean section is possible and the opinion of the mother is not taken into account:

  • Tumors of the uterus or vagina.
  • Possibility of uterine rupture.
  • Early discharge of amniotic fluid.
  • Fetal hypoxia.
  • Detachment or incorrect position of the placenta.
  • Incorrect position of the child's head.

For some disorders, there may be a choice between a caesarean section or a natural birth. Which is better, in this case, the woman herself decides. However, the entire responsibility for the decision lies with her. These anomalies include:

  • Pelvic presentation.
  • Previous births were performed by caesarean section.
  • Age over 36 years.
  • Large fruit size.
  • In vitro fertilization.

What to choose?

Most specialists - doctors, obstetricians and pediatricians consider natural childbirth to be preferable if there are no serious contraindications to them.

But what to do if the woman herself has to answer the question “caesarean or natural childbirth”? Still, the best choice would be in favor of natural childbirth. After all, everything in the body of a woman and a baby is arranged for a normal birth process.

However, one should also take into account the adjustments that modern civilization has made to our lives. In recent years, young women have become more likely to suffer from diseases that complicate this natural process. Cases of intrauterine pathologies have become more frequent, which can also be an obstacle to the natural course of childbirth. In addition, at the present time, women have become weaker physically. This is facilitated by the way of life: small physical activity, unhealthy diet, office physical inactivity. However, you should keep this in mind throughout your pregnancy.

There are special programs of physical exercises to prepare for childbirth, and you should not neglect them. After all, a child born as a result of an operation does not go through a long birth canal, which means that it does not go through a period of adaptation to a new world and a new environment with him. Which can negatively affect its development, especially in the first months of life.

It is also impossible to unequivocally answer the question: what is more painful - a caesarean section or a natural birth process? Often women, fearing pain, insist on an operation even in the absence of indications for it - but this is a delusion. Pain awaits a woman in labor with a cesarean section: after all, an abdominal operation, especially associated with the extraction of the fetus, is an indispensable blood loss.

Add to this anesthesia, which can not be called harmless to the body. In addition, the suture from the operation will not only be on the outer part of the abdomen, but also on the uterus itself. And this is one of the indications for caesarean section in subsequent births. And adhesions can form on this seam, which will necessarily affect women's health.

Other complications associated with surgery are also possible, especially in such a natural process. From all this, it should be concluded that the birth of a child in a natural way is still preferable. And it's good that at the moment our medicine does not perform a caesarean section, based only on the desire of the woman in labor.

Currently, epidural anesthesia is used as pain relief during caesarean section. This method of anesthesia is considered the best. With epidural anesthesia, the woman remains conscious, can talk to doctors and see the newborn as soon as it is born. All this, of course, is completely excluded when using general anesthesia.

The first childbirth in a woman's life is decisive. If the first birth did not have indications for a caesarean section and went well, without complications, did not bring any injuries, then in the future the woman will also be shown a natural birth. There is even a plus: subsequent births will probably be faster and easier.

Childbirth should be prepared in advance. It is necessary to strictly follow all the recommendations of the leading gynecologist. In addition, it would be useful to read specialized literature on your own, to be like lectures and classes for future parents. And this also applies to the future dad.

An excellent understanding of the intricacies of the birth process will help the woman in labor not to panic, fear nothing and soberly assess what is happening to her during childbirth. And of course, what kind of doctor a woman chooses is of great importance. After all, today there is such a wonderful opportunity to choose both a clinic and a doctor for your childbirth. If you hesitate and do not know what to choose, then you should contact this doctor, and he will tell you what is more suitable in your case: natural childbirth or caesarean section. Confidence in the doctor will also help the woman feel calmer and more secure.