Risk Rate for C Section & Vaginal Delivery

In spite of continuous efforts, C sections in US are increasing at an alarming rate, especially elective ones. In the year 2004, 1.2 million which constitutes thirty percent of the total births taking place in a year, were cesarean deliveries.  The number has risen by almost forty percent from what it was in the year 1996.

The reason behind the increasing rate

There are various reasons behind the increase in the number of cesarean births taking place ever year. Some feel the number is rising because of increase in the malpractice of insurance costs and also because of the increasing fear among the Doctors, about lawsuits being filed for errors in vaginal delivery. Speculations and fear about the things that can go wrong during a vagina delivery are not the only reason why people are going in for c section deliveries. There is one more reason. First time mothers are scared about the pain that they have to undergo during a pregnancy. To stay away from pain, mothers are opting for cesarian  deliveries.
Earlier cesarian deliveries were an option given to women who could not go for a vaginal delivery due to medical complications. But now days even mothers who are absolutely healthy and have no medical complications undergo want to go for c section delivery. The federal Government is worried about the increasing rate of cesarian deliveries and have made an announcement recently stating their goal to reduce the number of c section deliveries to fifteen percent by the year 2010. World health organization and other renowned health agencies also have similar plans. C section deliveries are very rampant in places like Columbia and Chile. The number is almost forty percent of all the deliveries that take place in a year.

Reasons for the popularity of c section deliveries

There are several reasons why people are preferring cesarian deliveries One of the reasons is that one can plan cesarian deliveries. One can fix a date for the delivery after consulting their physicians. The doctor as well as the patient can prepare in advance for the delivery. This will save one from the last minute complications that can occur in vaginal deliveries. In cases where the foetus may be experiencing some kind of problem, one can opt for a c section delivery to deliver the baby safely. Even the pelvic floors can be saved from any damage. It helps the physician in accommodating any special request of the patient.

Comparison of vaginal and cesarian delivery

A vaginal delivery is a natural process and thus safer when compared with cesarian deliveries. It does not involve complications. The recovery time is negligible in a vaginal delivery while the mother takes a lot of time in recovering in case of a c section delivery.
There are various risks associated with a c section delivery. Some of them have been discussed below. 

• The risk that come with the use of anaesthesia.
• The risk of infection is much more.
• Risk of an injury to any of the body part involved in pregnancy and delivery.
• Risk of amniotic embolism as well as air embolism.
• Risk of uncontrolled amount of bleeding.
• Risk too the foetus which can be anything like respiratory distress.
• An increase in risk of placenta previa or even uterine abruption which can take place in future pregnancy.
• Risk of subsequent pregnancy not taking place in the natural way.

Cesarians are important in some cases which are discussed below.

• If the baby is not in the right position like maybe is in transverse life or frank breach.
• When there is an increased risk of transmission of HIV or herpes to the baby.
• Previous cesarian section delivery means that it has vertical incision which may lead to uterine rupture.
• In case of twins when one of the baby is exposed to the risk like prolapsed cord.
• When the baby is in a distress.
• In case of bleeding from placenatl abruption or placenat previa.
• IN case the mother is suffering from some disease like severe eclampsia.

VBAC to reduce c section problems

The full form of VBAC is vaginal birth after cesarian. This process is banned at various hospitals. The health regulations that have been recently issued require an experienced medical team to handle VBAC.

The reality of Vaginal delivery

In almost all the cases women have confessed that all the pain that they undergo during pushing the fetus out, is forgotten as soon as they see their baby. In fact there are many benefits.

• Recovery is fast.
• The risk of respiratory distress syndrome is less.
• The bonding factor is prominent in the relationship of the baby and the mother.
• Lesser risk is associated with vaginal delivery.
• Low cost delivery method.
• More involvement of the parents in the process of delivery.

Many methods of painless deliveries have also been invented. Consult your physicians before undergoing a c section delivery.