Delivery (Vaginal Births and Caesarean Section)
Babies can enter this world in one of two ways: Pregnant women can have either a vaginal birth or a surgical delivery by Caesarean section, but the ultimate goal is to safely give birth to a healthy baby.
Most women are able to deliver their babies vaginally. In some cases, C- sections are necessary because of maternal condition (e.g. high blood pressure), fetal condition (e.g. a very large baby, if the baby not in a heads-down position), low-lying placenta etc.
How should we choose between vaginal births and Caesarean sections?
Vaginal births
- Pros
- Shorter hospital stay and recovery time
- Avoid major surgery and its associated risks
- More early contact with the baby and can initiate breastfeeding sooner
- Babies less likely to suffer breathing problems at birth
- Cons
- A risk that the skin and tissues around the vagina can stretch and tear and this could cause weakness or injury to pelvic muscles that control her urine and bowel function
- May have lingering pain in the area between her vagina and anus
- Baby may get injured during the birth process, e.g. bruised scalp or a fractured collarbone
C- section
- Pros
- Can be scheduled in advance, more convenient and predictable
- No need to go through a long labour
- Cons
- Longer stay in hospital
- Wound pain, longer-lasting soreness
- Operative risks – bleeding, infection, injury to bowel or bladder, anesthesia
We are willing to listen to your feeling and concern about the mode of delivery. Please feel free to discuss with us.