While discussing my birth options with my doctor, I had two different choices. The first is Vaginal and the second is a C- section. I like to know what to expect before the birth day happens. Maybe you do too.
Vaginal Delivery
This is giving birth through the vagina. Simply, the uterus contracts and the cervix opens to push the baby out. Viginal birth can happen in different methods. If the mom gives birth using no medication at all, then you had a Spontaneous vaginal delivery or Natural childbirth. If drugs like an epidural for pain, or other techniques initiate labor to prepare your cervix, then you had an Induced vaginal delivery. Vaginal deliveries are the most common and most preferred method of delivery, because it is low-risk and has many benefits to the mother and baby.
Advantages
Mom
You have shorter hospital stays, usually 1 to 2 days. There’s less pain after birth. You recover more quickly. The mother can start breastfeeding right after birth.
Baby
Passing through the birth canal exposes the baby to “beneficial bacteria” which increases immunity for fighting harmful bacteria. There’s a reduced risk of asthma and food allergies. The fluid that gets trapped in the newborn’s lungs is squeezed out, lowering the chances of respiratory problems.
Disadvantages
Your vaginal opening might tear or need to be cut (episiotomy) to make room for the baby going through the birth canal. This could lead to pain in the area between the vagina and anus. The labor and a vaginal delivery can be a long process and take between four and eight hours until the cervix is fully dilated. It is difficult to control your bladder and you may leak urine when coughing, sneezeing or laughing.
Cesarean Delivery ( C-section )
A caesarean section, or C-section, is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your stomach and womb. It takes around 40 to 50 minutes as the doctor will make a cut about 10 to 20cm long across your lower abdomen and then again in your uterus. You won’t see anything as a drape or screen blocks the view, but doctors should tell you everything that happens. You shouldn’t feel any pain with the anesthesia they first give you which takes around 20 to 30 minutes to apply the powerful numbing. The doctor will need to stitch all the cuts and you can have your baby. You will need to stay at the hospital for about four days. You should heal in around 5 days to a week after this surgery. Just like all surgeries there are some risks.
Advantages
Mom
It decreases the overwhelming anxiety that a mother might have, because there’s less pain during giving birth. Reduces the chances of injury to the vagina. Decreases chances in loss of bladder control.
Baby
If there is any danger to the mom or baby, a C-section can be lifesaving.
Disadvantages
You could get an infection. Increases blood clots. There’s more blood loss. There’s a risk of surgical injury during the process, for example when using a scalpel. taking longer to recover around 4 days. You are more likely to have a C-section for the following delivery to avoid increased risk of complications in future pregnancies.
My Opinion
As for me, I am planning an induced vaginal delivery. My current situation requires such a procedure due to my oligohydramnios. I will be giving birth before the normal due date, at 36 weeks Inshallah. If the induction fails, I will need to do a C-section. I don’t prefer the Cesarean because I know it limits the amount of babies you can have for the future. Allah will decide for me what is best, my main priority is to have a safe delivery for my baby and I, Inshallah.
