Reasons to Have a Planned Cesarean
More often than not, Cesarean deliveries are assumed to be second options in case vaginal births fail. However it is your ultimate choice to forego the vaginal birth and have your child delivered through Cesarean.
Cesarean delivery is known to present a number of risks when compared to the vaginal birth. This is why most doctors advice against it unless under special conditions.
Some of the reasons why one may have a planned Cesarean are such as:
- Your baby is in an abnormal position in the womb
- The placenta is low lying and has covered all or part of the cervix
- You have a health problem such as HIV that you could pass to your child if you delivered vaginally
- You have multiple pregnancy
- You have had other Cesarean deliveries before
- You or the baby have medical conditions that could make a vaginal birth more complicated
- Placenta previa is at risk of bleeding
- It is possible for the mother to also opt for Cesarean delivery even without any medical reasons.
Ensure that you discuss this with your doctor to help you make the most informed decision.
Preparing for A Planned Cesarean
Cesarean is a major surgery that will involve procedures and requires preparation. Here are pointers to keep you well prepared:
- Expect a scheduled date at around 39 weeks
- You need to keep off food for about six hours
- Your doctor will monitor your health and baby’s are constantly
- Get help for after leaving the hospital
- Find out who can be with you in the delivery room, if your hospital allows it (most hospitals in Kenya do not)
Even with a planned Cesarean, it is possible to go into labor first. If this happens, then you will have an emergency Cesarean.
Read more on cesarean birth here
Disclaimers:
#Please note that development differs from one child to another
# Content intended for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for medical advice from your doctor.
Last reviewed January 2019
Sources: pregnancybirthbaby, ncbi.nlm.nih., cosmopolitan, tommys, healthline
