Pregnancy brings many questions, one most commonly pondered is the level of pain the delivery process involves. Many women are under the impression that a C-section can be a route to avoid pain. Dr. Ang Huai Yan, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Expert at Gleneagles Hospital, shares her thoughts on this query that was sent in by a curious Dad-to-be.
My wife wants to undergo a C-section because she is afraid of the pain and uncertainties that a natural birth may bring. Which procedure would you advise for a first delivery?
Dr. Ang explains that unless there is a medical reason for undergoing a C-section, she would encourage all women who have no contraindication to a natural birth to opt for this process.
There are many benefits to undergoing a natural delivery. These can benefit both the mother as well as the baby:
Faster recovery
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A C-section requires a longer healing process for the mother in comparison to recovery from a natural delivery. An exact amount of time cannot be tied to either delivery as this varies from one mother to another, but the normal healing time for a C-section is estimated at one month The wounds from a natural delivery are known to heal much faster in comparison, making post-delivery an easier period. This gives the mother more time to bond with her baby
Lower levels of pain
Natural deliveries leave a smaller wound in comparison to those left by a C-section. As mentioned, the faster healing process also means that the levels of pain endured after a natural birth are much less painful. The aftermath of a C-section can be an uncomfortable period.
You can repeat the process
Women who undergo repeated C-sections may incur injuries to the bladder or intestines during the separation of adhesions. As exceeding a certain number of C-sections can be dangerous for the mother, this is not recommended. There is, however, no limit to the number of natural deliveries one woman can have.
Lower risks
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There can be complications associated with C-sections. These include the risks involved whilst under anaesthesia as well as those that can occur through the operation process. There is also a higher risk of wound infection when C-sections are conducted, especially in women who have medical conditions such as obesity or diabetes.
Natural birth benefits
Babies born via a natural delivery obtain good protective bacteria (known as probiotics) from the mother’s birth canal. Thus, the risk of getting allergies and wet lung conditions is low. This helps to build a stronger level of immunity for the child.
To avoid delivery pain, many women today opt for pain-free deliveries. This is available due to a new breakthrough in science. The advent of epidurals helps to reduce pain during labour.
Dr. Ang Huai Yan is a Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Expert at Gleneagles Hospital.
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