Caesarian Sections

Why are Caesarian Sections so frequent these days and do they harm the baby?

Caesarian Sections are done more frequently now compared to 40-50 years ago. This is happening all around the world and the major reason is to protect the baby. Natural (i.e. vaginal) childbirth is heavily promoted these days and in general the mother recovers more quickly than a woman who has had a Caesarian. However, while it is the right of any patient to refuse treatment for themselves, the rights of the baby need to be considered in the decision as to Caesarian Section.

Caesarian Sections can be life saving for the baby and sometimes for the mother. At other times they may be necessary to prevent permanent brain or other damage to the baby (and/or the mother). An example of this is the fact that caesarean Section for babies who would otherwise been born in the breech position (that is bottom first) has markedly reduced the risk of damage to the nerves of the baby’s arm and other problems.

Having a discussion as to the need for a Caesar when you are in labour and the obstetrician is worried for you and/or your baby is definitely not optimal. You should discuss this with your doctor and/or midwife during pregnancy, well before delivery.

Babies born by Caesarian Section are more likely to have a short period of breathing difficulty than are vaginally born babies. This Transient Tachypnoea of the Newborn is only for a few hours and much less serious than the condition being avoided – usually some form of brain damage for the baby.

One of my children was born by Caesarian Section because he stopped kicking. He turned out to have a severe ankle deformity. He has done very well, sailing through his University course and now holding a prestigious position in his profession. Ironically he was the best kick at football of all my children but he did spend the first 18 months of his life in night plasters to correct the deformity