What are the benefits of cesarean section? 4 major benefits to pay attention to

Caesarean section and natural birth each have their own advantages. So, what are the benefits of caesarean section?

What are the benefits of caesarean section

1. The indications for cesarean section are clear, and anesthesia and surgery are generally smooth.

2. The operation is performed before the contractions start, which can save the mother from suffering from labor pains.

3. If there are other diseases in the abdominal cavity, they can also be treated together, such as ovarian tumors or subserosal uterine fibroids, which can be removed at the same time. It is also very convenient to perform ligation surgery.

4. In cases where it is not appropriate to retain the uterus, such as severe infection, incomplete uterine rupture, multiple uterine fibroids, etc., the uterus can also be removed at the same time.

Disadvantages of Caesarean Section

(1) Caesarean section is traumatic to the mother both mentally and physically.

(2) Anesthesia accidents during surgery are rare, but they can happen.

(3) Massive bleeding and secondary injuries may occur during surgery, damaging other organs in the abdomen. Complications of the urinary, cardiovascular, respiratory and other systems may also occur after surgery.

(4) Even if the operation is uneventful, the postoperative period may lead to poor healing of the uterine incision, late postpartum bleeding, formation of abdominal wall sinus tracts, long-term non-healing of the incision, intestinal adhesions or endometriosis, etc.

(5) The recovery of the uterus and the whole body after surgery is slower than that of natural childbirth.

(6) During subsequent pregnancy and childbirth, the original uterine incision may split and cause uterine rupture. If the original incision does not heal well, another cesarean section will be required during childbirth, thus causing long-term adverse effects.

(7) Newborns delivered by caesarean section may develop respiratory distress syndrome.

When is the best time for a caesarean section?

The best time for healthy pregnant women to choose cesarean section is the 39th week of pregnancy, because the fetal organs are mature in principle at this time, and there is less chance of emergency cesarean section due to labor pain, water breaking, etc. Babies born during this period are less likely to suffer from various diseases than those born by cesarean section at the 37th or 38th week. Researchers from the University of North Carolina and other institutions reported in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine that they conducted a survey on 13,258 pregnant women and their babies. These pregnant women are in good health and can give birth naturally, but 35.8% of them choose cesarean section at the 37th or 38th week, and 49.1% choose cesarean section at the 39th week. These pregnant women have had a full-term cesarean section before. Usually, the pregnancy period is about 40 weeks, but the fetus is generally full-term at 37 weeks. Therefore, the best time for cesarean section is 39 weeks. If necessary (due to disease or unexpected circumstances), at least wait until 36 weeks of pregnancy, because the baby may face various complications of premature birth if it is born too early.

In what cases is a caesarean section necessary?

1. The first child was delivered by caesarean section

If the first child was delivered by cesarean section, the second child is more likely to have uterine rupture or threatened uterine rupture. In order to avoid danger during delivery, a cesarean section is chosen directly. However, if the uterus recovers well, the first and second children can be delivered by natural delivery.

2. Malposition of the fetus

The fetal position is breech, transverse, and the fetal head is not facing downward. During the prenatal examination, the doctor measured that the fetal posture and position are not conducive to natural delivery.

3. Abnormal bony or soft birth canal

It is better for pregnant women who have had coccyx fractures, abnormal soft birth canals, or pregnancy complicated by rectal or pelvic tumors obstructing the birth canal to undergo cesarean section.

4. Fetal distress

Fetal heart rate slows down and intrauterine hypoxia can cause fetal acidosis and damage the nervous system. In severe cases, it can affect intelligence and even cause intrauterine death. In this case, a caesarean section should be performed immediately.

5. Head-pelvis disproportion

The size and position of the fetal head are not proportional to the size and shape of the pregnant mother's pelvis, and the fetal head cannot pass through the pelvis. Usually, this can be determined during the prenatal examination, so that the doctor can take the appropriate delivery method.

6. Umbilical cord prolapse

In some pregnant women whose membranes have ruptured, the umbilical cord of the fetus passes through the fetus and first slips out of the cervix into the vagina, or even outside the vagina. This is called umbilical cord prolapse. At this time, the fetus may quickly suffer from intrauterine distress or even stillbirth. Therefore, once umbilical cord prolapse is found and the fetal heart is still present, the fetus should be delivered within a few minutes.

7. Severe preeclampsia

Pregnant women have hypertension and proteinuria in the late pregnancy.

8. Twins and multiple births

Generally, for safety reasons, doctors will recommend that pregnant mothers with twins or multiple babies choose cesarean section. If the baby is born naturally, the baby may suffer from lack of oxygen and suffocation, and the mother will be more likely to experience symptoms such as heavy bleeding than mothers of single babies.