Facts About Cesarean Delivery

The cesarean childbirth operation is a safe, simple and increasing common surgical procedure. Physically, it is often less traumatic than natural vaginal delivery.

Cesarean delivery is a lifesaving procedure and its use has dramatically increased over recent years. Cesarean delivery is often inevitable if life and mental intactness are to be preserved.

In terms of anatomy, the difference between a vaginal delivery and a cesarean section is a matter of a few inches. The term "cesarean section" is the medically accurate term for the procedure whereby a baby is delivered surgically instead of vaginally.

An all-too-frequent reaction to emergency cesarean is "why me? Why did this have to happen to me?" Cesarean parents (especially mothers) wonder if it was caused by fate or something they did "wrong". There is nothing "abnormal" or "wrong" with the cesarean woman. If your baby is to be delivered by cesarean section, it is important to bear in mind that you are not a failure. A healthy baby and a positive birth experience for the family are the most important considerations. Having a baby by cesarean delivery is often a way to have the best of both worlds: a healthy baby and a joyous occasion for the parents/family.

Not all primary (first-time) cesarean sections are emergencies. There are some indications for performing a first-time cesarean section that can be determined in advance. Briefly, some of these indications are diabetes, herpes simplex, chronic illnesses and pelvic insufficiency (the mother's pelvis is too small to accommodate the passage of a baby).

But the point is that most often, the decision to perform a primary emergency cesarean section is not known until labor has advanced. The announcement may be devastating. It may, however, be greeted with relief as well as anguish.

When an emergency cesarean section is performed, it may be for one or a combination of reasons. Each case is based upon individual considerations and takes into account the mother's medical profile.

An elective cesarean delivery means that the indication for the cesarean is known in advance of labor. An elective cesarean may be a primary or a repeat cesarean. A repeat cesarean is just a subsequent cesarean delivery.

When the decision is made to perform a cesarean delivery, it is important to remember that there are a number of factors to be taken into consideration. Each pregnancy, each mother and each baby are different. The indications are always judged on an individual basis, taking into account the mother's medical history, the progress of contractions, dilation of the cervix, possible signs of fetal distress and other conditions that make it necessary to deliver the baby as quickly and as safely as possible.

Cesarean delivery has advantages which far outweigh the possible disadvantages. The most important advantage is that the cesarean delivery may improve your baby's chances of viability (survival) and reduce the likelihood of learning disabilities, mental retardation, brain damage or certain physical handicaps. Why subject any baby to possible problems when they can be effectively avoided? An "easy" (that is, uncomplicated and safe) cesarean delivery is preferable to a long, hard or difficult vaginal delivery.