As the due date nears, the expectant mother would be wondering whether she would be having a normal delivery or she would have to opt for Caesarean. In so many cases, C-section would be planned beforehand and this would be mostly due to some or the other reasons that would make a normal vaginal delivery risky.

Here are a few details about both the birthing procedures and the pros and cons of both:

1.   Vaginal Birth

A vaginal birth is the most preferred one and also the most natural process of birthing. Compared to a C-Section, post vaginal birth, the hospital stay would be shorter and recovery period would be lesser. A research by the American Pregnancy Association says that women who go for vaginal birth have a lower mortality risk.

Pros:

• Vaginal birth is more beneficial to the child. When the baby passes through the vaginal opening, the amniotic fluid that is present in a baby’s lungs will naturally expel.
• The baby will absorb some protective bacteria which will slowly colonize in the baby’s intestines and thus boost baby’s immune system.
• The mother would avoid a major surgery and the risks that come with it like scarring, longer-lasting pain, excessive bleeding, infections and such.
• The mother can start breastfeeding sooner.

Cons:

• The mother may experience pain for quite a few days in the area between her anus and vagina.
• The mother may also have some problems with her bowel or urinary incontinence. Some may even find themselves experiencing urine leakage while laughing, coughing or sneezing.

2.    C-Section

Normally in certain circumstances, the doctor would prefer to go for C-Section. Like when the mother has a small pelvis and the baby is larger, the mother is expecting twins, the baby is not yet in a head-down position, efforts to get the baby delivered via Vaginal delivery have been unsuccessful and such. Comparatively, C-Section is considered to be safe, but also carries more risk than a vaginal birth. It is a major surgery which involves opening up the abdomen and getting the baby out of her uterus.

Pros:

• This can be scheduled in advanced and hence can prove to be very convenient.
• The chances of suffering from incontinence are less as compared to vaginal birth.
• The baby would not be having any birth trauma since forceps or anything similar would not be used.
• The risk of a mother suffering from sexual problems is also less.

Cons:

• The baby may not be naturally ready to be delivered.
• The use of anesthesia can increase the threat of complication development.
• It is a surgery and hence leads to greater blood loss.
• A mother if chooses to opt for C-Section, the possibility of her going for C-Section for her further deliveries increases.