Get to know the differences between natural delivery and cesarean section with Dr. Pawina Butdee Wong, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Phyathai Nawamin Hospital, who will explain the pros and cons of each delivery method to help parents make easier decisions.
4 Advantages of “Natural Delivery”
Natural delivery is when the baby passes through the birth canal, a method used since the time of our grandparents. This type of delivery has several advantages, such as
- Small wound size: Some may wonder why there is still a wound in natural delivery. The doctor explains that “For first-time natural delivery, the vaginal opening is not as flexible as in those who have given birth before, so there is usually a perineal tear to help open the birth canal. Most wounds are about 2-4 centimeters, depending on the mother’s anatomy and the baby’s size.”
- Faster recovery time: Because the wound is small, mothers do not experience as much pain as with cesarean delivery. Mothers can move, sit, and walk easily, leading to quicker recovery.
- Reduces risk conditions: Every time the baby passes through the birth canal, fluid in the baby’s chest is squeezed out, which helps reduce rapid breathing or shortness of breath after birth.
- Continuous immune system enhancement: The doctor explains that “Babies born through the birth canal receive more probiotics than those born by cesarean section, which helps build the baby’s immunity continuously after birth.”
3 Disadvantages… to Understand
However, natural delivery is not without its downsides. Mothers who choose to deliver naturally should also consider the following before deciding.
- Cannot schedule delivery time: The time here means the day and hour of delivery, which cannot be precisely determined. You cannot choose the exact day of the week, date of the month, or time of day. Everything depends on when the mother feels contractions and when the cervix is fully dilated.
- Must wait for labor: It is not that once contractions start and you arrive at the hospital, delivery happens immediately. Labor has latent and active phases. Some may arrive at the hospital in the latent phase with the cervix only 3-4 centimeters dilated, meaning they must wait another 4-5 hours for full dilation to 10 centimeters. This also depends on uterine contractions, pelvic width, body weight, and baby size to determine if the baby can pass through the birth canal.
- Pelvic diaphragm relaxation: Vaginal delivery causes stretching of ligaments in the pelvic floor or diaphragm. However, delivering only once is usually not a concern compared to multiple deliveries, which may increase the chance of relaxation.
3 Advantages of Choosing “Cesarean Section”
With advancing technology, mothers have more options for delivery, including the desire to schedule a specific date and time. This is why many mothers choose cesarean section.
- Can schedule delivery time: This method allows for a more definite scheduled day than natural delivery. You can choose the date and time, but the baby’s readiness and health must be the priority. The ideal time is at least 38 weeks to reduce respiratory complications in the baby.
- No long waiting for labor: Since cesarean delivery does not require waiting for cervical dilation like natural delivery, parents do not have to wait half a day to see their baby. The surgery may take only 45 minutes to 1 hour before meeting the baby.
- Reduces pelvic relaxation: The doctor explains that the pushing force in natural delivery affects the stretching of the pelvic diaphragm and ligaments, while cesarean section can reduce this pushing force and related problems.
4 Disadvantages That Still Require Caution
Although cesarean section uses advanced technology, it still has drawbacks that mothers may worry about.
- Troublesome scar: In cesarean section, mothers have an abdominal scar from surgery, usually along the bikini line, wide enough for the baby’s head to pass through, typically 12-15 centimeters, depending on the surgeon’s skill.
- Risk of drug allergy: Since it is surgery, anesthesia is required, mostly spinal block to relieve pain. Spinal block carries a risk of drug reactions.
- More blood loss: Theoretically, cesarean section causes more blood loss than natural delivery. However, with technology and skilled doctors, blood loss after delivery can be minimized.
- Baby at risk of rapid breathing: Cesarean section lacks the squeezing contractions of the birth canal that help expel fluid from the baby’s chest. Some babies may experience rapid breathing after birth, but this condition is usually not severe and often resolves on its own if there are no complications.
Dr. Pawina Butdee Wong
Obstetrician-Gynecologist Specialist
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
