When a new baby is on the way, parents face many choices. One choice some of my patients consider is an elective cesarean section (C-section) birth instead of a vaginal birth.
C-sections are necessary in some situations, like if the baby is in distress. But when a C-section is optional, it’s important to keep in mind that the procedure carries additional risk for you and your baby.
Elective C-section pros and cons
Labor can cause a lot of anxiety, and some families want to plan the time of delivery. An elective C-section can be a way to largely avoid pain during labor and ensure that important people are present at the birth. However, I want to make sure all families in my practice know that these advantages also come with some disadvantages.
An elective C-section increases your risk of complications. And the risks rise with each C-section you have. A C-section can lead to:
- Problems with future pregnancies. After a C-section, you’re more likely to have problems with the placenta. One issue is the placenta covering the opening to the cervix (placenta previa). Another is the placenta attaching to the wall of the uterus (placenta accreta).
- Surgery complications. A C-section is major surgery. It comes with a risk of infection, blood loss, bowel and bladder injury, blood clots, and allergic reaction to anesthesia. Hernia at the incision site and localized numbness in the area are also possible. And, like most abdominal surgeries, a C-section can cause adhesions. These are bands of scar tissue inside the belly. They can become more severe with each additional surgery, including other C-sections.
- Longer recovery. A vaginal birth typically has a recovery of two to four weeks. On the other hand, recovery from a C-section is usually six to eight weeks. It will affect your mobility, and that can make breastfeeding more challenging too.
- Depression. Some studies have found that a C-section can increase the risk of postpartum depression.
Babies face risks from an elective C-section as well. These include:
- Breathing problems. There’s a process during vaginal birth that readies the baby’s lungs to breathe oxygen. During a C-section, that process doesn’t happen. So, the baby can have extra fluid in their lungs. Plus, research has shown that babies born via C-section have a higher risk of developing asthma until they are 12 years old.
- Surgical injury. It’s possible for surgical instruments to nick the baby’s skin during a C-section. This is rare.
Weighing C-section vs. vaginal birth
This is a highly personal decision, and you should make it with your obstetrics care team. It’s important to consider not only your current needs, but your future wishes as well.
If you think you’ll have additional pregnancies, an elective C-section now could affect those pregnancies. You’ll most likely be able to have a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC). However, there is a small risk of tearing along the scar line or rupturing of the uterus, which can require a hysterectomy.
This is a lot of information to process. At Temple Health, our Obstetrics/Maternity Care team is here to help you make informed decisions. We understand that when it comes to pregnancy, labor, and delivery, one size does not fit all. Our team will work with you and help you determine the right options for you and your family.
Schedule your visit today. Request an appointment online or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536).