Q: I’ve been reading that more and more women are choosing to deliver their babies by C-section. Is this as safe as vaginal delivery? What are the pros and cons?
Answer from Dr. Peter H. R. Roberts, medical director of obstetrics and gynecology at Providence Portland Medical Center: Improvements in medical technology and surgical techniques have made C-section deliveries safer than they have been in the past. It is important to remember, however, that a C-section is still surgery, and that means the procedure carries more risk than a vaginal delivery.
Some women choose to schedule C-section deliveries that are not medically necessary because they are concerned about incontinence, pelvic floor prolapse and other potential long-term consequences of vaginal delivery. Others are apprehensive about the pain associated with labor or like having the ability to schedule the date of their child’s birth.
More research is needed to firmly establish the medical benefits and risks of each method of delivery. In the meantime, here are some factors to consider:
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The recovery time for a woman who has had a C-section is longer than that for a woman who has had a vaginal delivery (an average of two weeks for a C-section versus one to two days for a vaginal delivery). |
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All women share some long-term risk of developing incontinence or pelvic floor disorders, including those who deliver babies via C-section and those who do not have children at all. The risk is slightly higher for those who have vaginal deliveries. |
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If there is a strong chance complications could develop during labor (e.g., if you are very small), your health provider may recommend scheduling a C-section. A planned C-section is safer than an emergency C-section performed after unsuccessful labor. |
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A woman who has a C-section delivery is at greater risk of developing complications if she chooses to have a vaginal delivery during a subsequent pregnancy. |
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August 2003
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