Expecting mothers and their families often ponder on the safest mode of childbirth. The decision is not an easy one as a number of factors are at play, including the mother’s medical history, health complications, fetal health and its position. While many pregnant women opt for a vaginal delivery, some opt for a cesarean birth. Others, who are confused or unsure, might bank on doctors to provide the answer.
Knowing the benefits and risks of the processes will make it easier to decide, say experts.
Vaginal delivery benefits
How does vaginal delivery benefit the mother?
Vaginal delivery, being a more natural form of childbirth, benefits expecting mothers who do not have any complications or fear of labor pain. Dr Astha Dayal, lead consultant obstetrics and gynecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, Haryana, opines, “Unless there is a clear indication for a cesarean section, one should work towards a vaginal delivery because that is how it was meant to be.”
“The vaginal form of childbirth, being a natural process, is good for recovery. The mother should also be up and about within about an hour,” says Dr Sahana KP, consultant obstetrician, gynecologist, infertility specialist, and laparoscopic surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore. “The stitches put in the vaginal area take about four to six weeks to heal on their own.”
After a vaginal delivery, the new mother can start eating liquid and solid foods faster and her body takes less time to recover. Thus, handling future pregnancies also becomes easier.
How does vaginal delivery benefit the fetus?
“Many studies have proven that as the baby passes through the vaginal cavity, they are exposed to vaginal flora, which induces better immunity. This, however, is absent with cesarean deliveries,” says Dr Sahana KP. She adds, “Feeding the baby is also easier as lactation sets in earlier in the cases of vaginal delivery,” adds Dr Sahana
Cesarean delivery and its benefits
When a baby is in distress, has passed stools or has a fluctuating heartbeat, it is considered an emergency, and the baby is delivered via C-section.
There has been a significant rise in the number of C-section deliveries, one reason for which could be the increased accessibility of healthcare facilities. Dr Dayal adds that women are getting pregnant later — in their mid to late 30s and even in their 40s. “As the mother’s age increases, complications in pregnancy increase; thus, there is a slight tilt towards cesarean. A sedentary lifestyle and invitro fertilization add to it.”
Advancements in medicine have made cesarean delivery a boon to many women who have complications in their pregnancy and deliveries, resulting in decreased mortality rates during delivery. However, since it is a surgical process, it involves the use of anesthesia as well as stitches and sutures in the abdomen. “Thus, the mother becomes mobile only after the effects of anesthesia wear off, which can take 8-10 hours. She also takes some time to start breastfeeding the child,” says Dr Sahana.
Risks and complications of vaginal and cesarean delivery
Both vaginal and cesarean delivery have their repercussions. “When the vaginal delivery is an instrumental delivery involving the usage of vacuum or forceps, the risk of birth injuries increases slightly. However, if the right technique is used, it can be quite safe,” says Dr Sahana.
“In a C-section, there is more blood loss, bringing in the requirement for blood transfusion. Moreover, there are higher chances of infection and a scar in the uterus,” says Dr Dayal. However, this does not mean vaginal deliveries are completely risk-free, either. Dr Dayal adds, “In such cases, the muscles and nerves in the birth canal stretch excessively, which can cause pelvic floor laxity. This can lead to problems like urinary and stool incontinence and problems with intercourse. In some cases, it can also result in pelvic vaginal prolapse after menopause.”
Doctors share that following a C-section, women normally have to undergo the same procedure even during subsequent deliveries. However, there are exceptions where vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is also possible. “However, the long-term effects are all the same; there are not too many differences whether it is a vaginal or cesarean delivery,” adds Dr Sahana.
Overcoming the decision-making hurdle
Both vaginal and cesarean delivery have their pros and cons. But doctors say the final decision depends on how the pregnancy progresses. “It’s not always a choice — we tell expecting mothers not to fix their heart on one mode of delivery,” says Dr Sahana. “Labor and delivery are dynamic processes and things are constantly changing. So, it is better to have an open mind as you are informed of every option.”
The well-being of both the mother and the baby is paramount when deciding on the type of delivery. Dr Dayal adds that mothers-to-be must have frank discussions with their doctor before they zero in on one method. “It is not always the mother’s call, nor can it be of the doctor. A combined decision is made at the moment to ensure the baby and the mother and healthy,” adds Dr Sahana.
Takeaways
- Both vaginal and cesarean deliveries have their advantages and disadvantages.
- Since vaginal delivery is a natural process, it is beneficial for both the mother and the fetus. However, a C-section is a boon when complications arise during the pregnancy or delivery.
- The doctor and the new mother make a combined decision on the mode of delivery, keeping in mind the mother, fetus and need of the hour in mind.
