Has your doctor or midwife suggested a planned cesarean section (C-section) for your baby? Women can go for this option for many reasons they had a previous C-section or have a baby who''s facing the wrong way, to name two. For some women, a planned C-section is the best choice. But it''s important not to rush the decision.
C-sections have risks of their own. Experts say C-sections have become too common. Women who don''t need them are getting them anyway.
To protect your health, and your baby''s, here''s a guide that will help you decide.
What Is a Planned C-Section?
Some C-sections are necessary because of an emergency. In many of these cases, a doctor will switch to a C-section after a woman has already started labor and had problems.
Planned C-sections are different. In these cases, your doctor or midwife has found a medical reason that a C-section makes sense. But it''s not an emergency. It may also turn out to be unnecessary. In the end, you and your doctor may decide that a vaginal birth is a better choice.
Planned C-sections for a medical reason are different from purely elective C-sections. Some healthy women want a C-section so they can pick their delivery date or avoid a vaginal delivery. Their doctors may disagree. In fact, experts from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology don''t recommend a C-section unless there''s a medical reason. They add that if an elective C-section is planned, it should not be before 39 weeks of pregnancy and is particularly discouraged for women wanting more children.
If Your Doctor Is Planning a C-Section You need to ask a lot of questions, such as
Why do you think I need a C-section?
If I don’t have one, what are the risks for my baby and me?
Do the benefits clearly outweigh the risks in my case?
How quickly do we need to decide?
Will we be able to wait until 39 or 40 weeks for the C-section?
Is there any other option?
Does this mean I will need C-sections for all my future deliveries?
Is my baby’s size the reason you’re recommending a C-section? If so, how accurate are the weight estimates?
What to Consider With a Planned C-Section
While C-sections are generally very safe, they''re still major surgeries. They carry risks for you and the baby. If you''re considering a planned C-section, here are some things to keep in mind.
After a C-section, your recovery time will be longer than with a regular vaginal delivery both in the hospital and after hospitalization.
Babies delivered by C-section have a bigger risk for breathing problems after birth that will require time in the neonatal intensive care unit. These usually go away within a few days.
Kids born by C-section may also be more prone to have asthma, diabetes, allergies, and obesity later in life.
You have a bigger risk of heavy bleeding, infection, injury to other organs, or blood clots with C-sections than with a vaginal delivery. Some women will need a transfusion.
You will also have increased risk of abnormal implantation of the placenta in future pregnancies, which may increase the risk for bleeding and hysterectomy.
After C-section, the risk of uterine rupture (separation of the uterine scar) in future pregnancies increases.
Having a planned C-section could complicate future pregnancies. Each C-section tends to be more difficult than the one before. If you’re planning to have another baby, and particularly if you want a large family, talk with your doctor about how a C-section could affect your plans.
If you''re thinking about having a planned C-section, talk over the pros and cons with your doctor or midwife. If you like, get a second opinion. As long as there''s no emergency, don''t let yourself be rushed. Take the time to make a decision that feels right to you.
