Of course, pregnant mothers must think and prepare when choosing the method of childbirth. Many mothers may not want to experience labor pain and want to set a definite delivery date, leading to requests for cesarean sections from their obstetricians. This has resulted in an increased and often unnecessary rate of cesarean deliveries nowadays.
Both vaginal delivery and cesarean section have their own advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Linlada Wijakkunururoj, an obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in maternal-fetal medicine, will explain the pros and cons of each delivery method.
Advantages of Cesarean Section
- The date and time of delivery can be scheduled.
- No need to wait for labor contractions to start naturally.
- No risk of umbilical cord compression during labor.
Disadvantages of Cesarean Section
- Mothers have a higher chance of postpartum hemorrhage and greater blood loss.
- Risk of complications from anesthesia and/or general anesthesia.
- Risk of placenta previa and/or placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies.
- Risk of abdominal adhesions after surgery.
- Risk of injury to adjacent organs such as the bladder and intestines.
- Risk of respiratory problems in the newborn after delivery.
- Risk of surgical wound infection.
- Longer pain at the surgical site after delivery.
- There are incisions on both the abdomen and uterus.
- Delayed contact with the baby.
Advantages of Vaginal Delivery
- Mothers lose less blood during delivery.
- Smaller wounds and less pain.
- Faster contact with the baby after delivery.
- No abdominal adhesions.
- Newborns receive immunity from bacteria in the mother’s birth canal.
- Lower chance of respiratory problems in the newborn.
- Lower risk of wound infection.
- Lower risk of placenta previa and placenta accreta in future pregnancies.
Disadvantages of Vaginal Delivery
- Must wait for labor contractions to start naturally.
- Cannot schedule the delivery time in advance.
- May require vacuum extraction or forceps if the mother cannot push effectively.
- Risk of umbilical cord compression during uterine contractions, which can cause fetal oxygen deprivation.
- Newborns are at risk of meconium passage and aspiration during labor.
- If the baby is larger than average or the mother’s pelvis is narrow, labor may be obstructed.
However, although vaginal delivery has several disadvantages that may worry mothers, these do not occur in every case. The success rate of vaginal delivery is higher, and if any fetal abnormalities occur during vaginal labor, the obstetrician can immediately perform a cesarean section.
Dr. Linlada Wijakkunururoj
Obstetrician-Gynecologist specializing in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
