Understanding Elective Cesareans
Development of medical science has given expectant mothers the option of choosing to have a cesarean section. Known as elective cesareans, this helps many career-oriented women to plan the day of birth of their child. This also means that they can plan their career, maternity leave and several other issues around the chosen date. There is also a belief that a first time cesarean birth means that all subsequent births are easier done that way. Many others feel that since it is a controlled environment and a predictable procedure, it is safer to go in for elective cesareans.
But you have to understand that cesarean sections are not without risks of their own. At the end of the day, a cesarean is a major operation which involves the use of anesthesia. The abdomen and then the womb will have to be opened up and sown together. The period of recovery for vaginal births is around three to four weeks, whereas in cesareans it is up to two months.
Cesarean sections do come with their set of complications. Many women complain of chronic pain, lack of sensation or even excessive itching around the incision. Urinary incontinence is another possible side effect of cesarean sections. Studies have shown that Caucasian women who are lean are more susceptible to this. One of the major risks of cesarean is post-operative uterine rupture. This could happen in your future pregnancies. If you are planning on having many children, then doctors advice that you opt for a vaginal delivery as far as possible.
Uterine ruptures have an increased chance of occurring in those women who have had previous surgery on their uteruses for any reasons. There have been cases where old surgery scars have split open during the labor process. Not dangerous in itself, an unnoticed rupture could lead to internal bleeding that could damage your uterus.
A cesarean section can have effects on a woman’s emotional state as well. Most women are susceptible to a longer post-partum depression. In cases where a cesarean is inevitable it is known for women to feel that she has been incapable of being a good mother. There are several situations in which a cesarean birth is the best option for mother and child especially in the case of a breech birth or where the umbilical cord may be around the baby’s neck. It is also recommended when there is fetal distress or if labor has crossed a certain time frame.
It is important for any expectant mother to understand the risks involved in an elective cesarean before she actually opts for it.
