It’s good news!- you announced to all the people in the family and the time has come near. Indeed, a couple of months are left and now you are acquainted with multiple thoughts about your delivery. Certainly, one of those will be about having a normal delivery or a cesarean one. Well! Nothing comes easy and so is your childbirth. When it comes to the method of delivering a baby- it adds up anxiety, stress, nervousness, and a lot more emotions than anybody can think of.
Certainly, it is a physiological phenomenon & deciding in a particular way is unpredictable. Undoubtedly, you would have taken hands-on suggestions from experienced moms. However, working with the thought method can help out having an easy delivery. But what the end situation will demand from you is unsaid for sure. So, to help you build a little knowledge about both, here are some crisp information verticals about normal delivery or cesarean delivery.
What is the difference between a C-Section & a normal Birth-
- A vaginal or normal delivery is the vaginal birth of a baby without any medical or basically surgical intervention.
- On the other hand, a C-Section or a cesarean birth is the pure operational process, involving surgical slits in the mother’s abdomen.
What’s better?- A Cesarean or a Normal Vaginal Birth-
Certainly, birthing a child is not a simple cakewalk. Indeed, it takes a lot of strength from mothers to bring out that child whether in a cesarean or a vaginal birth. Also, deciding in advance on a particular delivery method can be painstaking in the future. Undoubtedly, it all depends on your timely medical conditions that require a particular way of delivering a child that your doctor watches. In addition, if you are a second or third time mom- then your previous delivery modes & prevailing health conditions are the deciders.
Basic Stages of a Normal Delivery-
- Contractions & effacements
In the first stage, contractions begin wherein the cervix dilates, softens, and expands so that the delivering baby is easy. Without a doubt, it is the longest time duration for delivery lasting up to 12-13 hours. Indeed, this stage is further segmented as-
- Early labor: Cervix dilates to 4cms while contractions in every 3 to 5 mins. Here the doctor should be contacted for emergencies in the future but this time can be spent at home.
- Active labor: Cervix dilates to 7cms while contractions in every 3 to 4 mins. Here water breaks as contractions get intense.
- Transition phase: It’s most challenging stage- cervix dilating to the last extent upto 10cms, giving the mother painful contractions at a break of 2 to 3 mins, each lasting about 60-90 secs.
- Birth of the Baby
As intense contractions continue, the mother is rushed to the medical emergency in the hospital. This mother is asked to push the baby out doctor trying head comes first through the canal. Indeed, it becomes exhaustive & tiring for a mother to push out the baby each time she contracts which certainly is painful. Further, if out of many tries the baby still doesn’t come out, the doctor tries an incision for broadening the vaginal opening so that it becomes a little easier.
- Pushing out Placenta “Afterbirth”
Once the baby is born, the placenta is taken out. Either after a couple of minutes or half an hour through massaging the lower abdomen manually.
Advantages of a Vaginal Birth-
- Fewer chances of risk for mom & baby
- Lower complications to the mother’s body like that in a C-section
- Fast Recovery
- The baby remains protected outside the womb from microbes & bacteria in the mother’s vagina
- Stimulates lactation quickly
- The infant is at low risk of catching any respiratory issue
Disadvantages of a Vaginal Birth-
- Shedding of the superficial mucous membrane
- Incontinence
- Tender breasts
- Contractions
- Mood swings
- Hair loss & skin color changes
Cesarean or a C-Section Delivery-
When there seek no chances for a normal delivery or the delivery case involves complications then your OB-Gynec will go ahead with a cesarean one. It involves incising in the uterus and abdomen of mothers. Certainly, the procedure or stages of C-section delivery might vary as per complications but a doctor will go ahead in cases of-
- The Baby’s head is too big to fit in the birth canal
- Baby’s feet coming out first- Breech Birth
- Pregnancy complications in the early stage
- Blood Pressure issues or any prevailing heart disorder
- Complications in the umbilical cord
- Prolonged labor
- Inappropriate oxygen supply to the baby
- Transverse/stalled labor, and many more
Advantages of a C-Section Birth-
- No vaginal tissue injuries
- Short labor time
- Lower chances of pelvic injuries
- Safe for the infant
- Lower blood loss
- Reduced infant mortality rate, etc
Disadvantages of a C-Section Birth-
- Longer days spent in the hospital
- Elongated recovery
- Less body movement for moms
- Repeated hospitalization
- Uneasy breastfeeding
- Pain at the operational site for a long, etc
To The Bottom Line-
Certainly, mothers often wonder about- should I go for a normal or C-Section delivery. Well! That’s absolutely natural & happens according to your on-the-moment needs. However, some mothers practice hard for a vaginal birth. On the other hand, new moms might get scared & opt for a surgical one. Since predicting is a choice but knowing & understanding these pros and cons helps you get a better picture.
Wishing Happy & Safe Maternity!
