Caesarean section is a surgical procedure which is performed on the woman's abdomen and uterus to be able to extract the baby when it is time for delivery. Its use is practically based on when there are complications in a natural birth and it is necessary to save the life of both the mother and the baby.
The WHO recommends its use in hospitals for this purpose and provided that it does not exceed 15% of deliveries performed as cesarean sections and not by region. There are many pregnant women who already have their caesarean section scheduled for problems caused during pregnancy and so it is convenient to perform this type of surgical intervention. But what happens when a mother wants to ask for it?
When an expectant mother wants a caesarean section
We can talk about women who have had a tragic vaginal birth or some 'celebrities' who are terrified of natural childbirth. These are cases in which the “caesarean section on demand” or “caesarean section a la carte”, where it is carried out at the request of the pregnant woman.
Clearly a woman has the right to ask for her way of giving birth, but they do not conclude their requests within an ethical sense. A mother who is afraid of a vaginal delivery and refuses to do it naturally, therefore a great medical debate is opened.
Not all doctors can consent to this request, It must be assessed by a medical team and taking into account each particular case. A woman who requests a caesarean section must be well informed of the real risks, or in other words, of the advantages and disadvantages of this case. To be able to do a planned caesarean section must be done at week 39 pregnancy to reduce the risk of fetal respiratory morbidity.
What risks can occur with a cesarean section?
We cannot rule out that caesarean section is a surgical intervention and runs the same risks as any similar operation. The risks that they can carry are possible hemorrhages or tears in the uterine wall, or injuries to the bladder or intestine.
Postoperative treatment can be complicated since infections can occur in the surgical wound itself, without forgetting that its healing is much longer and more complicated than that of a natural childbirth.
Other drawbacks that can be analyzed is that the fetus may suffer a higher risk of neonatal respiratory problems, although the risk of fetal injury is lower. On the other hand, future pregnancies can be risky. suffering from placenta previa.
Cases for which a caesarean section is attended
When the baby may be suffering inside the womb This is one of the main reasons for carrying out this intervention. An ultrasound may show less amniotic fluid or that the movements have decreased, so it is necessary to intervene.
being present arterial hypertension and preeclampsia, a caesarean section can be scheduled given the complex time dedicated to medication and rest. When there is diabetes that can complicate a natural childbirth or when there is placenta previa.
Other of the most recurrent cases are when at the time of delivery the baby is positioned transversely, comes seated or feet first. At other times it comes with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck which can make it impossible to get out.
Chronic or acute diseases that the mother may suffer may also be present in order to perform the cesarean section and not harm the baby. Other types of much more serious cases that can occur are last-minute bleeding, ruptured uterus or placental abruption would be other reasons to practice it, apart from many other reasons that could be detailed.
We return to review that if the mother requests an unnecessary caesarean section must be thoroughly assessed risks and consequences that can lead to an intervention that can harm both the mother and the baby. Doctors will assess the importance of a caesarean section versus a vaginal delivery, since it is not a panacea or any type of secondary alternative, but must be carried out in the case of an urgent need.