C-section vs. Natural Birth

Author: Kelliann Bateman

When did giving birth--the most beautiful and natural thing a woman can experience--become a medical emergency? More than 1 in 3 births result in C-sections--even more in twin pregnancies. Many of these are NOT necessary. Even in twin pregnancy a C-section should ONLY be preformed when the life of the mother or baby are in imminent danger. It is IMPERATIVE that you find a health care provider who will support what you want and respect your birth plan. It is your body, your babies, your decision.

Here are some startling facts about C-section Risks to mom:

• More likely to hemorrhage
• More likely to develop blood clots
• Higher risk of infection
• More likely to need a hysterectomy
• Greater risk of pulmonary embolism
• Unexplained stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies
• Increase risk of placental abnormalities in subsequent pregnancies
• More painful and longer recovery time
• Increased risk of postpartum depression
• Possible PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome)
• Abdominal scarring
• Greater risk of maternal death (5 to 7 times the risk of death as compared to vaginal birth)
• Greater risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies
• Respiratory complications due to general anesthesia
• Back pain or epidural headache
• Difficulty breastfeeding and/or bonding with baby.

Here are some startling facts about c-section risks to your baby (or babies):

• High risk of low birth weight and prematurity
• More than 4 times greater risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other respiratory problems
• Lacerations
• Lower APGAR scores
• Increased risk of cow milk allergy in childhood
• Increased risk of cavities (dental caries) in childhood
• More than 5 times more likely to be admitted to intermediate or intensive care than babies who are born vaginally.

Alarming Statistics:

• On March 18, 2009, The National Center for Health Statistics located in Redondo Beach, CA, reported that the C-section rate hit an all-time high in 2007, with a rate of 31.8 percent, up two percent from 2006.

• "Every pregnant woman in the U.S. should be alarmed by this rate," said Pam Udy, president of the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN). "Half or more of cesareans are avoidable and over-using major surgery on otherwise healthy women and babies is taking a toll."

Important information for women after C-section:

• "Cesareans can raise the risks of postpartum depression and some women develop PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and should seek further help from a therapist who is skilled in dealing with birth trauma. These therapists should not be dismissive of your needs or concerns and realize that there is more to birth than a "healthy baby" and that even the healthiest of babies can come through a traumatic event to the mother. You have the right to mourn your birth and your trauma while celebrating your child. These are two different events in your life, even if they are happening simultaneously."

http://www.ican-online.org/recovery/home

To learn more about fit, healthy pregnancy--with or without multiples--visit www.twinpregnancyinfo.com

About the Author:

Kelliann has writing expertise in the areas of health, fitness, and nutrition. Kelliann also has intimate knowledge of high-risk pregnancy, twin and multiple birth, and maternal health. She is president and founder of both TwinPregnancy.info and FitWithTwins.com, where expectant and new mothers find the latest information on pregnancy with multiples and post-pregnancy fitness. For further information please contact Kelliann at ThePen@kelliannbateman.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - C-section vs. Natural Birth