When I was pregnant with my twins, I remember so many people automatically thinking I was going to get a c-section. Friends, particularly those without children, would casually note that I would deliver my baby by cesarean. That wasn't my plan -- I knew twins could be delivered vaginally. Though I did end up with a c-section after getting preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome.
I was lucky and I made it to 36 weeks. My babies were considered late-term preemies, and while we did have some challenges, we all ended up healthy. Late-term preemies tend to sleep through feedings and you have to wake them so they eat and thrive. I know many women who had preemies -- babies born weighing just one pound -- and their outcomes were filled with many struggles, serious complications, and heartbreakingly some babies didn't survive.
This is why people cannot understand why any woman would want to risk baby's health and deliver early via c-section. And experts are finally talking more about the dangers.
It was found that one in 10 women who have a c-section develop an infection around the c-section scar. The infection was so bad in some cases that their hospital stay was extended. Some went home only to have to be re-admitted because of the pain and severity of the infection. While some complications are minor, others are severe enough that deep tissue and internal organs can be affected. There were cases of an infection in the lining of the womb along with reproductive tract infections. Women who are overweight and teen moms were more likely to contract a serious infection after birth.
This is not only very challenging for a new mom, but for the baby as well. If a mom isn't fully recovered quickly after a c-section, it can open the door for issues with breastfeeding and even postpartum depression. This isn't just notable natural birth advocates like Ina May Gaskin who are calling out the cesarean dangers now. I'm hoping this revelation by expert doctors will have more people taking notice and realize that a c-section shouldn't be something you casually schedule like you would a haircut.
"This study has identified high rates of surgical infection following a cesarean with one in ten women developing an infection," lead author Dr. Catherine Wloch, Department of Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, Health Protection Agency said. She went on to say how prevention should be a "clinical and public health priority."
Any woman who has to have a c-section should receive the best care, and whatever needs to be done to prevent infection is vital. I know c-sections are very often necessary and life-saving. It sure was in my case and I'm so thankful for the great team of doctors I had. I'm just hoping this study along with the facts on how having a baby before your due date by induction or early scheduled c-section will make women think twice. The risks are great -- they aren't worth it for mother or baby. We should remember that a due date is also a guess. Barring any complications, we should wait until baby is knocking on our uterus to enter the world. Every week is vital in a baby's development. Even one week can make a huge difference in how well a baby can thrive outside the world. Ask any mom of a preemie and she will tell you how having a baby early isn't worth the risk of getting baby out for convenience sake. Luckily many hospitals aren't allowing women to choose cesarean, but some hospitals also have questionable motives and seem to prescribe them out without concern for risk.
This is why we need this information. We need to educate ourselves and others so we are empowered and make the best decision for ourselves and our babies.
What do you think of this study?
Image via Mat Honan/Flickr
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Comments 54
I had my daughter by C-Section in April 2012, the day before her suspected due date. I was 39 weeks and 6 days and she had not dropped, I had not faced nor dilated. They thought by the measurements she was going to be 9.5 lbs. After serious deliberation with my OBGYN team, after being asked to consider a c-section, we all decided it would be best for me and baby given what could happen due to her size and the situation. I made a wonderful decision. My OB made the delivery. They put me back together better than I could have ever imagined. I had no issues with infection or irritation and was healed before they originally thought I would. I do not regret my decision. If I could have had a vaginal birth knowing nothing would complicate I would have. I do think that women that are approached with this suggestion should do as I did, deliberate with the actual people and know the in's and out's of both, then make the decision. Don't do it because it may be convenient.
Not unless it becomes dangeroous to mom and baby. MY last, and thrd had to be delivered by C-section, and I was dissapointed. Nad they had to put me to sleep totally, as scar tissue from a herniated disk surgery prevented the flow of the epidural anesthethic. I felt groggy for days!!
My first child was a C-section as he was breech. They tried to turn him to no avail. It was a wonderful experience and I recovered quickly. My second child was WAY bigger and I wanted to plan his birth around my husband's school break. Another wonderful delivery.