There are a growing number of women specifically asking doctors for c-sections when they are healthy and normal otherwise without medical problems. Reasons for this may include:
• Fear of the pain of childbirth and a desire to avoid it altogether
• Some women like the convenience of being able to decide when and how to deliver
• Fear of risks associated with vaginal delivery including tearing and sexual problems
One of the questions that must be answered in these cases is: Is it safe and ethical for doctors to allow women to make medical decisions?
There is no clear answer to this question at the present time. More research on both types of deliveries is needed before the answer to this question can be provided. For the most part, obstetricians feel it is their ethical obligation to talk women out of elective c-sections. However, there are some obstetricians that believe women should be able to choose a c-section if they fully understand all the risks and benefits of this major surgery. C-sections are a “major” surgery.
The experts who believe c-sections should only be performed for medical reasons point out the risks of the surgery. Some of those risks include:
• Can be dangerous for the mother and baby
• A major surgery increases the risk of infection, bleeding and pain in the mother
• C-sections increase the risk of problems in future pregnancies
• Women who have c-sections have a higher risk of uterine rupture. A ruptured uterus puts the life of mother and baby in danger.
• Babies born by c-section have more breathing problems right after birth.
The experts who support elective c-sections point out that:
• Surgery may protect a woman’s pelvic organs
• Surgery reduces the risk of bowel and bladder problems
• C-sections are as safe for the baby as vaginal delivery
Please note: The American College of Obstetricians (ACOG) is not opposed to elective c-sections. Their position is:
• If the physician believes the cesarean delivery promotes the overall health and welfare of the woman and her fetus more than vaginal birth, he or she is ethically justified in performing” a c-section.
Source: National Institutes of Health Online
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.
By Connie Limon
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