Whether you are a first time pregnant mother-to-be or you have gone through the strains of labor before, you should be aware of the facts when considering getting a Caesarean Sections (C-section).
In general, these procedures are reserved in cases where normal births are IMPOSSIBLE or even DANGEROUS. We should critically evaluate whether C-sections are even necessary. The British Medical Journal indicates that the U.S. has seen a steep rise in C-sections to women with no reported indicated risk. The study shows first-time mothers aged 34 and over with no reported risk were among the most likely to receive this procedure (1 in 5 giving birth by C-section). The World Health Organization also indicates that no country should have a C-section rate higher than 10-15%……. In the U.S., 24% of births are Caesarean—double that of European countries. In addition, according to the International Caesarian Awareness Network, there is considerable risk for both mother and child.
Risk to Baby
-Respiratory Distress Syndrome
-Lower Birth Weight
-Jaundice
-Lower APGAR score (Accesses health status of baby)
-Brain injury from lack of Oxygen
-Scarring/maiming from the scalpel (1-9% of cases)
Risk to Mother
-Uterine Rupture
-Endometriosis
-Hysterectomy
-Bleeding/Hemorrhage
-Infection
-Postpartum Depression
-Re-hospitalization for Complications
-Development of scar tissue (Making future C-sections more difficult and risking injury to other organs)
-5-7X more risk of mortality
This tip is not meant to scare anyone, but you should be aware of the risks involved with C-sections and make an informed decision (Before going into Labor) on whether it is ABSOLUTELY necessary.
Reference:
“Rise in ‘no indicated risk’ primary caesareans in the United States”, 1991-2001: cross sectional analysis, British Medical Journal, November 19, 2004