To be or not to be, that is the question”. Women can relate to Macbeth’s dilemma when they have to choose between vaginal or Cesarean delivery. Some women fear labor pain before birth, whereas some fear, pain after cesarean surgery. Thus, choosing what pain can be bearable is quite difficult. If you are also wondering whether vaginal And Cesarean Deliveries are best for you then this article is for you.
Both vaginal and cesarean delivery have their pros and cons. Yet C-section delivery should always be the second option when vaginal delivery is not possible. This is because vaginal delivery is the natural process of birth. Here is a detailed comparison of vaginal and C-section delivery for you so that you can choose more knowledgeably.
In This Article
- What is Vaginal Delivery?
- What Are The Benefits Of Vaginal Delivery?
- Disadvantages Of Vaginal Delivery
- What is C-section Birth?
- What Are The Benefits Of C-Section Birth?
- Disadvantages Of C-Section Birth
- FAQs
What is Vaginal Delivery?
Vaginal delivery is the natural process of childbirth that occurs in every mammal. It is the authentic way of childbirth where babies travel through the birth canal to come out. It is the most common method of delivery.
Here the uterus continuously contracts to open the cervix and allows the baby to move through the birth canal. According to the NIH report, vaginal delivery is the safest way of childbirth. It can occur anytime between 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy.
What Are The Benefits Of Vaginal Delivery?
When you opt for vaginal delivery, your doctors will first analyze your situation and if you are free of complications, you can happily birth your baby through this natural process. This is beneficial in many ways.
Here are a few benefits of vaginal delivery
1. Shorter Stay In The Hospital
As there will be no surgeries in vaginal delivery, your hospital stay will be much lesser than a c-section delivery. Generally, patients get a discharge within 24 to 48 hours after delivery if there are no additional complications.
2. It Does Not Involve The Risks Of Surgeries
With natural childbirth, you can avoid the risks of c-section delivery i.e. bleeding, infections, scars, post-surgery pain, reactions to anesthesia, etc.
3. You Can Start Breastfeeding Immediately
Natural vaginal delivery only occurs when your body gets fully prepared to welcome the baby. So breastmilk will naturally flow after a vaginal delivery and you can start breastfeeding immediately after the delivery. You can easily sit to hold and breastfeed your baby which becomes quite painful after a c-section delivery.
4. The Lungs Of Your Baby Get Stronger
The contractions of the vaginal muscles help the baby to squeeze out the umbilical fluid inside its lung. So there will be fewer chances of breathing problems in babies at birth in case of a vaginal delivery.
5. The Baby Gets In Contact With Good Bacteria
When babies travel through the vaginal canal they get in contact with the good bacteria present in the vagina. As a result, your baby can develop more immunity in case of a vaginal delivery.
Disadvantages Of Vaginal Delivery
Of course, the disadvantages of vaginal delivery do not weigh much if you look at the plus points. However, there are a few things you need to be prepared for if you want to go for vaginal delivery.
Here are some disadvantages of vaginal delivery
1. You Will Have To Bear Hours Of Labor Pain
The average time of labor pain in first-time mothers is in between 4 to 8 hours. The frequency and velocity of the contractions will only increase with time. So vaginal delivery can be physically exhausting until it is complete.
2. It Can Involve Stitches Sometimes
You cannot, sometimes avoid stitches in vaginal delivery too. The movement of the baby through your vagina can lead to some stretches and tears. If the baby’s head is big then doctors can cut the vaginal opening a bit to let it out. These cuts and tears will lead to painful stitching.
3. It Can Result In Less Efficiency Of The Urinary Muscles
Due to the stretching and tearing during labor, the pelvic muscles become weak and injured. This may result in less control over urine and bowel movements. Different studies point out that women. Having a vaginal delivery are prone to experience urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. In the case of urinary incontinence, the patient suffers from urine leakage while coughing, sneezing, or laughing. And in pelvic organ prolapse, one or more than one organs slip down into the pelvis.
4. Prolonged Labor Can Be Risky And Life-Threatening
In the case of prolonged labor, the baby may suffer to get enough oxygen. If the baby’s size is larger than usual, then injuries can happen to both the mother and the baby. The baby may get bruises on the scalp or fractures in the collarbone.
What is C-section Birth?
C-section delivery or Caesarean delivery is a surgical process of childbirth. In this process, doctors cut the lower abdomen and uterus of the mother to take the baby out. Due to the involvement of surgery and stitches, it is a comparatively risky procedure. It is also a costly procedure that takes more time to heal. Thus, doctors only suggest a C-section delivery when the vaginal delivery is not safe or possible for the mother.
What Are The Benefits Of C-Section Birth?
Considering the complications you have had throughout the phase of your pregnancy. Your doctors may decide the type of birth process. They may consider performing a C-Section to avoid fetal distress and other complications. Eventually, all that matters is a healthy baby and mom.
The advantages of a C-section delivery are
1. Preferred Time And Date
You can choose a preferred date for your delivery in case of a C-section once you cross 39 months of pregnancy. There will be no emergency rush to the hospital due to labor pain. You can conveniently decide the date you want your baby to come into the world.
2. It Is Helpful When The Mother Has Anxiety About Vaginal Delivery
If the mother is highly anxious about vaginal delivery, which can impact her physical and mental health, then opting for cesarean delivery is best. The choice of childbirth should be according to the satisfaction of the mother.
3. It Can Be Life-Saving Sometimes
In case the position of the baby is not favorable, or if there is a loop of umbilical cord around the baby or the placenta is close or over the cervix then Caesarean delivery can be life-saving. C-section delivery is also best in the case of multiple babies or if the mother has C-section delivery previously.
Disadvantages Of C-Section Birth
Along with the convenience, there are some complications and disadvantages associated with C-Section delivery. It is important for you to be aware of them.
Here are some of the disadvantages of C-section delivery
1. Longer Hospital Stay
The average stay in the hospital will be 2 to 4 days in case of C-section delivery. Even after getting discharged, you may have to visit the hospital 2-to-3 times for the dressing of the surgical scar.
2. Increase Risks Of Blood Loss And Infection
There is more risk of blood loss and post-surgery infection at the incision area. The cesarean scar and pain can take at least one to two months to heal completely.
3. Get Dependent On C-Sections In Future Pregnancies
Once you have a C-section delivery then it will be risky to go for vaginal delivery the next time. Problems such as uterine rupture, and placental abnormalities, can occur in future pregnancies after a C-section delivery.
4. Cesarean Babies Are At A Greater Risk Of Catching Diseases
According to a 2019 journal, a Caesarean baby is more prone to suffer from breathing issues, asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes in later life.
Be it a C-Section or a vaginal delivery, all that matters is the perfect health of the baby and the mother. It is important to know everything about both delivery methods before opting for them. Talk to your doctor, with your family, and most importantly, trust your body.
FAQs
1. What Is A More Painful C-Section Or Natural Birth?
The concept of pain is subjective. For some, vaginal birth is more painful, and for some, C-section surgery is more. But you should choose the pain of vaginal birth for the benefits it has.
2. How Many Stitches Are In A C-Section?
There will be two layers of stitches to close the uterus. One additional layer of stitching will be done to close 4 of the 5 remaining layers underneath your skin.
3. How To Choose Between Vaginal And Caesarean Delivery?
The choice between them depends on the physical and mental strength of the mother. If you are physically capable then you should prepare your mind for a vaginal delivery.
Reference links
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4682600/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5648605/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5588709/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559197/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7067498/
