Reasons for Caesarean

[Gnisy]

Not sure how to spell this but are there any clinical reasons why a pregnant woman must have a Caesarean instead of delivering their child naturally? from a medical point of view. Like the baby is in a position that is not suitable for a natural birth.. or anything like that.

My sister's baby is only 2.5kg and her due date was on the 16th of Sept. Now, the doctor says he wants to do a C-sec and deliver the baby on the 7th of Sept, a week earlier. He didn't give any reason why he called for this C-sec n my mother didn't think of asking. But I can't help but worry. Can anyone answer my question? Totally appreciate it. Thanks very much.

[loobie]

hey, don't know if this will help:

http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/birth/c esarean/elective_emergency_cesarean.htm

[Gnisy]

Thanks very much loobie. Thanks.

[redcrx]

There are reasons why a doctor would pre-plan and c'section and your sister would have been given the reasons for hers.

for instance:
Danger to mother or baby during vaginal childbirth
Any illness likely to be passed during vaginal birth (STD or AIDS)
Baby in breach position and unlikely to turn (some mums are given option of vaginal breach
Multiple pregnancy
previous c'sections mean that scar tissue may tear
Large baby and small birth canal
Placenta in way of cervix and likely to have cord prolapse if waters break

They are just a few. I suggest your sister calls her midwife and asks for the reasons for the suggested c-section.

btw I think the figures suggested are something like a baby puts on about 0.5lb a week in final few weeks

[loobie]

No prob's. Hope it helps. If not just search google as there's loads of stuff on there. Good luck to your sis xx

[suffragette]

A good question and an informative answer from loobie, but I believe you are right to question the reasoning behind the decision to perform a caesarian section.

Caesarians are a convenient method of childbirth; they are less painful for mothers to be and enable the hospital to organize their staff and facilities more efficiently.

Whether, they should be used as frequently as occurs at present is an area of much debate amongst the medical profession and increasingly amongst mothers who sometimes, though not always, feel pressured into following their doctor's decision without question.

I hope the attached site helps with some of your concerns.
http://www.fortherecordmag.com/archives/ftr_08 2905p34.shtml

[Octavius]

I can't open the links above because of my net nany at work. So I apologise if this is a repeat. Possible reasons for caesarean delivery include:

- prolonged labour or dystocia
- apparent fetal or maternal distress
- complications (pre-eclampsia, active herpes)
- catastrophes such as cord prolapse or uterine rupture
- multiple births (though this is controversial)
- abnormal presentation, (breech or transverse positions)
failed induction of labour
- failed instrumental delivery (by forceps or ventouse)
- the baby is too large (macrosomia)
- placental problems (placenta praevia, placental abruption or placenta accreta)
- contracted pelvis
- previous caesarean section
- prior problems with the healing of the perineum (from previous childbirth or Crohn's Disease)

Although some of those above can be deemed contraversial and different providers may disagree about when a caesarean is required. the United Kingdom, the law states that a labouring woman has the absolute right to refuse any medical treatment including caesarean section "for any reason or none", even if that decision may cause her own death, or that of her baby. Other countries have different laws.

Contrary to suffragettes answer, a caesarean section is a major operation, with all that it entails. Pain at the incision can be intense, and full recovery of mobility can take several weeks or more. A prior caesarean section increases the risk of uterine rupture during subsequent labour, so it is not an entirely 'convenient' option.

[suffragette]

I've experienced a caesarian section, Octavius. Have you? Believe me, it's less painful than natural childbirth.

[pickalily]

I agree with redcrx. Your sister should speak to her midwife and be given the reasons for the decision.

[bookermel]

Yes I'd advise your sis to find out a little more just to have a bit more peace of mind about whats happening, cos it is a scary time! I have had both a c-section and a "normal" birth and I had no real problem with the c-sec other then they kept me in a little longer this was with my first baby and so I had a choice with the second and wanted to get home quicker! Pain is a very individual thing make sure your sis has gone through the painkiller options available to her. I had an epidural with both of mine. Yes was awake for the c-sec and that suited me very well. I was also very mobile for the second even with an epidural! anyway good luck to your sis. By the way recovery time was similar and short with both births! and I didn't have to sit on my stiches for thbe c-sec!!

[alijangra]

Im with Octavious on this one, a C-section is a major op and has many associated complications including infection, hypertrophic scarring (not attractive!!), increased risk of DVT to name but a few. It is NEVER used as convenience for staff, it actually uses up alot more in terms of resources such as nursing care. It is only ever used when there is a CLINICAL need for mother and/or baby, except in the private sector wher some obstetricians will perform it upon request. Your sister is quite within her rights to ask why she is being recommended for c-section and I find it disgraceful that it has not been fully explained to her.

[Gnisy]

Thanks everyone for their answers. I was actually worried that something is wrong with the baby and that's why the doctor called for a C-sec. It's my sister's first baby and initially the attachment of the umbilical cord was a little too low in the placenta. The doctor says that it may shift late in the pregnancy. Probably it didn't shift enough, and that's why they're taking her in for a C-sec a week from now. I just wished that the doctor would just tell her why rather than let her second guess and worry like this.

But anyways, thanks for all the answers.