Welcoming New Life Into the World
Isha Gupta
May 2024
Infants can be born in diverse ways. In the United States, vaginal delivery and C-section, also known as Cesarean birth, are common.[1] According to Cleaveland Clinic, in the United States, about 68% of all births are via vaginal deliveries, and about 1.2 million C-section deliveries occur each year.[1]Both vaginal deliveries and C-sections can be accompanied by unique risks and advantages for both newborns and their mothers. Therefore, it is important to be more aware of these two most common methods infants are born.
Vaginal delivery
Vaginal delivery is the most common type of childbirth. It is considered to be the safest and preferred.[1] During this childbirth method, the uterus contracts, the cervix opens and the newborn is pushed out of the vagina, also referred to as the birth canal.[1]
Researchers have found numerous benefits of vaginal delivery to maternal and child health. These include decreased hospital stay and increased mother-child bonding.[2]Also, among new mothers, vaginal deliveries are associated with faster recovery, lower rates of infection, and lower risk of complications for subsequent pregnancies.[1]In addition, babies born via the birth canal are more likely to breastfeed, have improved immune function, and lower risk of respiratory health problems.[1]
Although it is generally considered to be the least risky,[3] vaginal delivery could still lead to potential risks and adverse outcomes. One of the most common complications is excessive or life-threatening bleeding during or after childbirth, also known as hemorrhage.[3] Furthermore, tears around the vagina and rectum can occur during vaginal delivery.[3] Moreover, larger tears in the vagina can further increase the risk of severe postpartum hemorrhage.[4]
C-section
A C-section is the surgical delivery of an infant. C-sections are usually recommended when vaginal delivery is unsafe for either the mother, baby, or both. C-sections can be performed during medical emergencies and they can also be planned in advance.[5] During this childbirth method, a cut, referred to as an incision, is made in the abdomen and uterus. After the infant is delivered and the placenta is expelled, stitches are made to close the incision.[6]
A variety of factors can influence whether a woman will undergo a C-section. These include the placenta being attached too low, or when the infant’s body is too large to safely pass through the pelvis.[5] Furthermore, abnormal fetal heart rate[6] and the infant’s position in the uterus can influence the need for a C-section. Moreover, women may undergo a C-section if they have certain chronic health conditions such as heart disease, or, infections that could be transmitted to the infant during vaginal delivery such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).[7] For women who previously had a C-section, vaginal delivery could still be considered for the subsequent birth.[5] However, important factors such as the type of uterine incision from the previous birth and the risk of uterine rupture could influence the need for a C-section for the subsequent birth.[5] Additionally, for women who are carrying multiple infants in the uterus, a C-section is considered to be safer, especially since carrying multiple infants can cause prolonged labor, which, in turn, can lead to distress.[7]
C-sections are generally considered to be associated with more risks than vaginal deliveries.[1] Along with longer hospital stays and longer recovery,[1] possible risks and complications include reactions to medicines utilized during the surgery, injury to the bladder or bowel, and wound infection.[6] Nevertheless, C-sections may also offer unique advantages. These include less risk of the infant being oxygen-deprived during the delivery. Additionally, for the new mother, a C-section may pose a lower risk of incontinence and sexual dysfunction.[1]
Vaginal deliveries and C-sections are the most common birthing methods in the United States. Diverse medical and health factors can influence whether a C-section or vaginal delivery would be essential for a mother to safely give birth to her baby. There can be possible risks and unique advantages to both methods of welcoming new life into the world.
References
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2022, October 7). Pregnancy: Types of Delivery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9675-pregnancy-types-of-delivery
[2] Desai, N. M., & Tsukerman, A. (2023, July 24). Vaginal Delivery. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559197/
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2022a, May 26). Vaginal Delivery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23097-vaginal-delivery
[4] Graugaard , H. L., & Maimburg, R. D. (2021, March 10). Is the increase in postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal birth because of altered clinical practice?: A register-based cohort study. Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/birt.12543
[5] Cleveland Clinic. (2022b, August 14). C-Section. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/7246-cesarean-birth-c-section
[6] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Cesarean Section. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cesarean-section
[7] Healthline Media. (2016, July 8). Reasons for a C-Section: Medical, Personal, or Other. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-reasons
