Every year in the United States, more than 3.6 million babies are born — and for each of those pregnancies, expectant parents have a big decision to make: Should they have a vaginal birth or a cesarean section (C-section). How can you know which is right for you?
For most women, the answer is straightforward: A vaginal delivery is almost always recommended as long as it’s safe for the mom and the baby. That’s because even though giving birth is a “natural” experience, it’s not without risks — and because a C-section is major surgery, those risks may be magnified.
As a top-rated OB/GYN in Coral Springs, Florida, Alan Patterson, MD, is skilled in vaginal deliveries and both elective and emergency C-section deliveries, so you can feel confident you and your baby will receive the best care for your unique needs. Dr. Patterson has delivered over 6,000 babies, including both high and low-risk pregnancies,
In this blog, Dr. Patterson offers an overview of each delivery method to help you decide which method you prefer.
Vaginal delivery is the more common type of delivery. About twice as many babies are delivered vaginally — 2.5 million vs. 1.2 million.
Even though a woman’s body is “equipped” for vaginal delivery, there’s no denying that the idea of passing a baby through your vagina can seem daunting, particularly if you’ve never had a baby. But the fact is, vaginal delivery can be a lot less stressful on your body than a C-section that involves cutting through your abdominal wall. But a complicated vaginal delivery, with tearing of the rectum or urethra or clitoris can be just as painful as having a C-Section.
As a result, vaginal delivery typically involves a shorter recovery time and less discomfort after delivery. This method is also associated with lower risks of infections and dangerous blood clots.
Interestingly, vaginal delivery may offer some benefits for your baby, too. Some research shows babies born via vaginal delivery may have improved lung function and improved immunity, and moms and babies may have an easier time breastfeeding.
C-sections deliver your baby through an incision in your belly. This type of delivery may be performed on an urgent basis — for instance, if the health of the mom or baby is at risk during labor or delivery. If labor is not progressing or your baby isn’t getting enough oxygen, for instance, even if you had intended to have a vaginal delivery.
But there are also times when a C-section is intended — planned out ahead of time. These are called elective C-sections, and in most cases, they’re performed for specific reasons, like giving birth to multiples or an underlying medical issue, like hypertension or diabetes. You might have a C-section if you had a particularly complicated vaginal delivery previously. And the most common reason for a C-Section is, if you have had a previous C-Section and do not want to labor called a vaginal birth after C-section, ( VBAC), or are not a candidate for VBAC.
If you have an infection like a sexually transmitted disease (STD), like an active Herpes infection, a C-section will help prevent that infection from being passed to your baby during birth. C-sections are also planned for babies that are unusually large, especially for moms with small pelvises. They’re also recommended when there’s a problem with the placenta or the position of the placenta or the baby.
Some moms-to-be opt to have a C-section because they want to choose their delivery date, or they have personal reasons for not wanting to deliver vaginally. While these aren’t necessarily medical reasons, they are factors you might want to weigh when making your choice between a vaginal delivery and a C-section.
Bottom line: Dr. Patterson knows that every pregnancy is unique — and that’s why there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach when deciding on the best delivery method for you and your baby. During your prenatal visits, Dr. Patterson can discuss each option in depth so you can feel confident in your care all the way through delivery.
We want you to get excited about your big day! To learn more about your labor and delivery options, book an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Patterson and his team today.
