C-section and epidurals

There are many women asking themselves which way they should choose when giving birth: vaginal birth or C-section? Of course, there are women who can't even choose, because there are certain problems that may occur during pregnancy, so the only choice they have is C-section. Anyway, there are pros and cons regarding this issue, and there are some opinions and studies that could help us making the right choice.

There are some things each woman takes into consideration at childbirth, and their decision depends on many factors like pain, risks for both baby and mother, and even the recovery. 
There are also specialists who make studies and it is good to read more and get informed about this important aspect of a childbirth.

Epidurals

A Calgary anesthetist launched a study in an attempt to determine what kind of pain relief during childbirth is best for mothers and babies and to examine what are the effects of epidural and intravenous narcotic pain relief on mothers, babies and the progression of labour. 


There is a link between epidural analgesia and cesarean section, as some studies showed it.  Dr. Terrance Breen, director of obstetric anesthesia at the Foothills General Hospital in Calgary afirmed the following: “Clearly they provide the best form of pain relief, but if they cause a problem we need to form a strategy and solve it. If not, we need to lay this issue off to the side and go on to find the real problem.” 

C-Section

Specialists agree that cesareans should be planned only when there's a solid medical reason for avoiding a vaginal delivery. 

 Here are some common reasons:
  • You have placenta previa. 
  • The baby is in a breech or transverse position. 
  • The baby is predicted to be too large to pass through your pelvis. 
  • You have an active genital herpes infection. 
  • You have previously had a cesarean section.

Doctors say that cesareans could be four times riskier than vaginal deliveries, but according to some studies, the risk is significantly smaller in some patients.

We know there are risks everywhere in medicine and surgery, even in vaginal birth, but mothers should know what complications may occur during C-section:
  • infections (particularly of the uterus, the nearby pelvic organs, and the incision) 
  • excessive blood loss 
  • complications from the anesthesia 
  • blood clots due to decreased mobility after surgery 
  • bowel and bladder injuries 
More here on the truth about C-sections:
Source: http://www.cmaj.ca/

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