Vaginal & C-Section Delivery

Who Should Opt for Which Procedure?

According to Dr. Jagrati Laad , the choice of delivery rests majorly on the gynecologist and the mother. After contemplating all the pros and cons of either, an informed decision must be made. However, there may be some health conditions that may favor a childbirth procedure over the other.

Reasons to opt for a vaginal delivery

• Good health of the mother and baby with no significant medical issues during the pregnancy
• Full-term labor
• Spontaneous labor with ideal fetal position
• Ruptured amniotic membrane or water breaking

Reasons to opt for a C-section delivery

• Cephalopelvic disproportion: The mother’s pelvis is smaller than the baby’s head.
• Multiple gestations: If there is more than one baby in the womb.
• Placenta previa: When the placenta sits too low in the uterus and blocks the cervix, making vaginal delivery impossible.
• Abnormal positioning: When the baby is not in an ideal position for delivery.
• An obstruction, like a polyp, hinders safe vaginal passage.
• A previous C-section increases your chances of a repeat C-section.
• Chronic health issues such as genital herpes, HIV, or any other infection.
• Umbilical cord compression.
• Fetal distress: When the baby’s heart rate or activity suggests potential distress.

Vaginal Delivery

How to Prepare for Vaginal Delivery

Dr. Jagrati Laad will provide you with the necessary prenatal care & guidance as to when and how you should prepare for childbirth. Dr. Jagrati Laad will also help you decide whether or not a vaginal delivery is suitable in your case.

Here are some steps that can help you prepare for a safe and calm vaginal birth:

• Join a childbirth class or learn about your pregnancy and childbirth options and possible complications related to both.
• Address your anxieties and concerns with your doctor, partner, friends, and family.
• Have a hospital bag, urgent contact numbers, and required help ready as you near your due date.
• Consider birthing ball exercises, relaxation, meditation, and deep breathing exercises once the labor pains kick in.
• You may/may not require medications to kick-start muscular contractions.
• You may want to discuss and request epidural injections/nitrous oxide for pain relief.

What Are The Stages of Vaginal Delivery?

The stages of vaginal delivery involve the following processes: labor, birth, and delivering the placenta.

Labor

During the labor stage, the uterus begins to contract and push the baby through the birth canal. In most cases, it is described as moderately to extremely painful.

There are three stages of labor:

1. Early Labor
2. Active Labor
3. Transitional Labor

All these are stages of cervical dilation (from 0 to 10 cm) and uterine contractions strong enough to facilitate birthing.

Birth

The birthing stage happens when the cervix is dilated to about 10 cm. Then the mother experiences intense uterine contractions, making her push out the baby. Episiotomy is an incision between the vagina and the rectum to facilitate birthing. It is sometimes done to avoid random/severe vaginal tears.

Delivering the placenta or afterbirth

After the delivery of the baby, the doctor will ask the mother to push a little more to help deliver the placenta, which is attached to the uterus.

Care After a Vaginal Delivery

Dr. Jagrati Laad shares the following essential set of aftercare tips for new mothers:

• Get as much bed rest as possible.
• Try breastfeeding as soon as the mother and child are fit enough.
• Wear maternity pads to manage postnatal vaginal bleeding.
• Take care of episiotomy stitches, if any.
• Wash well after using the toilet.
• Consume high-nutrition food.
• Consult your doctor if you experience side effects like constipation, engorged breast, mood swings, headaches, hot flashes, or severe cramps.
• Speak to your family or healthcare provider if you suffer from postpartum depression.

Benefits of Vaginal Delivery

Benefits of vaginal delivery for the mother:

It is the least complicated type of delivery and has a short recovery period. Breast milk comes sooner. It makes future deliveries easier.

Benefits of vaginal delivery for the child:

Fewer chances of respiratory problems in newborns. The child’s immune system is stronger. Breastfeeding is more smooth.

Risks of Vaginal Delivery

Vaginal delivery carries the least risk as it is the natural form of delivering a baby, though sometimes there can be problems that can be handled by your gynecologist:

• Labour does not progress.
• Irregular fetal heart rate.
• Hemorrhages or excessive bleeding.
• Vaginal tears.
• Deep vein thrombosis.
• Post-delivery eclampsia.

Dr. Jagrati Laad will discuss these in detail during your initial consultation so you can feel comfortable understanding the risks involved with a vaginal delivery. Dr. Jagrati Laad has years of experience and can handle any situations that may arise during your delivery.

Cesarean (C-Section) Delivery

A major surgery is done to deliver the baby when the expected delivery does not seem possible or is risky. A cesarean can be planned or done as an emergency. Comparatively riskier than a vaginal delivery, a C-section may require a longer recovery time.

How to Prepare for C-Section Delivery

1. Talk to your doctor: Before you are scheduled for a C-section, talk to your doctor about the procedure and any questions you may have. Make sure to discuss the potential risks associated with C-section delivery and what type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery.

2. Arrange for help: Having someone to help you before, during, and after your C-section is essential. This could be a family member or friend who can stay with you while in the hospital as well as provide assistance once you are home.

3. Pack a bag: Packing ahead of time will make your trip to the hospital easier. Include essentials such as a change of clothes, toiletries, and any medication you may need. Make sure to also include items for your baby – like diapers, onesies, and blankets.

4. Eat a light meal: Eating a light meal before your C-section helps ensure that you don’t get sick or faint during the procedure. Avoid eating anything heavy or greasy as it can make you feel nauseous.

5. Get some rest: Try to get plenty of rest before your scheduled C-section delivery. This will help ensure that you are well-rested and in good health when the time comes for your procedure.

6. Follow instructions: Make sure to follow all instructions given by your doctor. This includes taking any medications prescribed and avoiding drinking or eating anything after a certain time before your surgery.

7. Sign consent forms Fill out the required consent forms before your C-section procedure. This will ensure that all necessary details have been taken care of prior to the delivery.

What to Expect During C-Section Delivery

At Wombs Fertility & Reproductive Health Clinic, Dr. Jagrati Laad will brief you about the C-section procedure as follows: 1. You will be plugged into the heart and fetal heart monitors. 1. An IV is inserted to transfer medications and fluids. 1. The area of the incision is cleaned and shaved. 1. Spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia is administered 1. An oxygen mask is placed to increase oxygen to the mother and baby. 1. A sterile drape is placed over the abdomen and legs. 1. Doctors will raise a partition between the patient’s head and abdomen. 1. A catheter is used to keep the bladder empty. 1. Incisions are made from the abdomen below the navel until the uterus. 1. The baby is delivered as fast as possible to minimize risk to the mother or child. 1. The umbilical cord is cut. 1. Placenta is removed. 1. The incision is closed with stitches/staples. 1. If the mother is awake, she can hold the baby once it is delivered.

Care After a C-Section Delivery

• After the delivery, the mother and the baby are usually monitored for 3-5 days at the hospital.
• Stitches will dissolve on their own, but staples will be removed at the hospital.
• The abdomen will feel sore for several weeks.
• Take prescription medications to prevent infection and pain.
• The mother should focus on healing and avoid heavy or strenuous activities.
• Rely on partner and family or hired help for chores.

Benefits of C-Section Delivery

• A cesarean section is the safest option for delivering a baby when a vaginal delivery is impossible.
• Due to anesthesia administration, it is sometimes referred to as an almost painless delivery method.
• In cases of emergency surgery due to last-minute complications, C-sections have proved to be a boon in delivering healthy children.

Risks of C-Section Delivery

C-section delivery, like any other major surgery, can involve risks such as

• Infections
• Hemorrhage (excess loss of blood or bleeding for hours)
• Bowel or bladder injury
• A cut that weakens the uterine wall
• Complications for future pregnancies
• Fetal injury
• Anesthesia-related complications

Other common problems with a cesarean can be:

• Recovery is more complicated than with a vaginal birth.
• It is found to be related to chronic pelvic pain.
• It sets the tone for having a C-section in future pregnancies.
• The child may have breastfeeding difficulties.
• It is also found to be associated with breathing difficulties in the newborn.

All potential risks mentioned above will be discussed with you during the consultation.

Every mother is different and may experience childbirth widely differently from another. For example, a vaginal delivery can be traumatic for some, and someone may have a smooth cesarean delivery with good post-op healing. Discuss in advance with your gynecologist what suits you and your health needs.