C-Section Benefits

A cesarean section or C-section is major surgery, but there are benefits to giving birth to a baby this way. Although, according to the March of Dimes, there are many unnecessary C-sections performed, sometimes a C-section is not only necessary, but is also the only way a woman can bring a baby into the world.

What is a C-section?

• A C-section is a surgical procedure when an incision is made in your abdominal area and through to your uterus in order to deliver your baby. Once you have been given anesthesia and the surgery begins, the doctor can deliver your baby in five to 10 minutes and then proceed to close up the incision which can take 45 to 60 minutes.

Scheduling

• Having a C-section scheduled guarantees that you will know in advance the exact date when your baby will be born. This is more convenient than waiting to go into labor and enables both parents to plan their lives around their baby's entrance into the world.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• For a mother who has genital herpes, delivering her baby by C-section ensures that the infant will not be infected by going through a vaginal delivery. This is also makes it possible for an HIV-infected mother to give birth.

Babies in Distress

• Having a C-section can save a baby's life when there is a condition such as preeclampsia or if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby's neck. C-sections are also an alternative when the baby is in a breech position and cannot be moved because of size.

Multiple Births

• C-sections are routine for multiple births but in the case of twin births, a C-section can allow the doctor to get the babies out quickly and thereby avoid any chance of fetal distress.

Reasons Why C-sections Happen

• Often a C-section will be recommended when the labor is not progressing and there is a risk to the baby or the baby is in distress. If a woman has had a previous C-section sometimes a vaginal birth could be unsafe and a C-section will be performed.