Common
Indications for Cesarean Sections & Potential Complications
- Preterm labor in
the mother
- Fetal distress
- Maternal health
problems such as diabetes, hypertension
- Short stature of a
woman with small pelvis that cannot pass the fetal head
- Arrest of labor
- Maternal
infections, such as HIV or hepatitis B or C or genital herpes
- Abnormal position
of the baby within the uterus, for ex: breech presentation (feet first rather than the
head)
- Low lying
placenta
- Prolapsed
umbilical cord into the vagina ahead of baby's head
Common complications of cesarean delivery include increased
risk of infection, increased risk of blood clots due to prolonged reduced
mobility, increased pain and morbidity that takes longer to recover and perhaps
a reduced ability to bond with the baby as a result.
Possible
Factors That May Contribute To Increased C-Sections
Although the following factors may be cited as reasons for
the steep rise in C-sections, the truth is many of these operative deliveries
are not medically warranted.
- Increased maternal
obesity and associated risks
- Increased
maternal age at pregnancy
- Increased incidence
of fertility treatments and consequent multiple births
- Tendency of
health professionals to favor C-sections, particularly if there is
a history of previous Cesarean delivery
What is
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)?
In general, doctors may be reluctant to perform VBACs due to an increased risk of uterine
rupture if the previous scar on the uterus tears during labor and is a
potentially life-threatening complication. However, the risk of this occurring
is very small and
less than 1 percent of women opt for
VBAC. Also, the risk of uterine rupture reduces with each successive normal
delivery following C-section.
Tips To Avoid
Unnecessary C-Sections
- Become aware of
cesarean section indications, risks, benefits and make an informed decision
- Walk regularly
throughout pregnancy Opt for a doctor
who has low rate of C-sections; learn about the possibility of vaginal breech delivery and VBAC norms
- Do not have
induced labor if there is no indication
- Have faith and
self-belief and positive reinforcement that a natural delivery is possible
- Join a birth support group and become inspired that natural delivery is the ideal way to deliver for optimal health and well-being of both the mother and baby
Reference : - April is Cesarean Awareness Month - (http://motherscircle.net/cesarean-awareness-month/)
Source: Medindia