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Doctor making an incision for a Cesarean section birth
© Anton Booysen / Dollar Photo Club

C-Section Deliveries

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Although it is advisable for pregnant women to deliver their babies through the normal way there are times when some may have to undergo cesarean section. It is important that pregnant women understand this procedure before deciding to have their babies born this way. The doctor will have to make a cut through a woman’s abdomen and through the uterus as well in order to take the baby out. Some women are given spinal anesthesia only so they are awake during the procedure but they do not feel any pain. However, those who are given general anesthesia are asleep during the entire c-section operation.

A c-section can be recommended by doctors especially when the life of the mother or the baby is in danger. This is also done when some health problems occur before the baby is delivered or when the mother is on the labor stage. Just like any other form of major surgeries, pregnant women take some risks like infections, too much bleeding, blood clots or the need to have blood transfusions. Pregnant women who also undergo cesarean section have to stay in the hospital longer and they also need a longer time to recover from the effects of this major operation.

Other reasons that would warrant a c-section operation may include pregnant women who are carrying twins or more babies inside their wombs. Women may also have to go for it if they have some health problems like heart illnesses, HIV infection and other diseases that can harm the baby. Those who are suffering from high blood pressure and those who have previously given birth through c-section may also be recommended for this procedure. Pregnant women with other problems like the shape of the pelvis, breech babies, problems with placenta or umbilical cord and babies showing distress signs also need to deliver their babies this way.

Some women may simply choose to have a c-section even without any medical reasons. Some doctors may find this an ethical problem to do so.  It is then advisable for pregnant women to become aware of the risks that they are taking when they undergo this surgical procedure. They may have the advantage of delivering their babies conveniently but they will be more prone to infections and other health conditions later. Their babies may also have more health problems than those that are born through the normal way. There are varying opinions about healthy pregnant women undergoing c-section operation so it would be wise then for women to think about it carefully before deciding to deliver their babies under the knife.