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Cesarean section is indicated in situations where normal delivery would present a higher risk for the woman and the newborn, as in the case of the baby's wrong position, a pregnant woman who has heart problems and even an overweight baby.
However, caesarean section is still a surgery that has some associated complications, such as the risk of infections where the cut was made or hemorrhages and therefore should only be performed when there are medical indications.
The decision for cesarean section is made by the obstetrician but it is also important to take into account the pregnant woman's desire to have a normal delivery or not. Although normal delivery is the best way for the baby to be born, it is sometimes contraindicated, requiring a cesarean section and it is up to the doctor to make the final decision after checking the health status of the mother and baby.
Some reasons for having a cesarean are:
1. Placenta previa or placental detachment
The placenta previa happens when it is fixed in a place that prevents the baby from passing through the birth canal, and it is possible for the placenta to come out before the baby. The detachment of the placenta occurs and when it detaches from the uterus before the baby is born.
The indication for cesarean for these situations is because the placenta is responsible for the arrival of oxygen and nutrients for the baby and when it is compromised, the baby is harmed by the lack of oxygen, which can lead to brain damage.
2. Babies with syndromes or diseases
Babies who have been diagnosed with some type of syndrome or illness, such as hydrocephalus or omphalocele, which is when the baby's liver or intestine is outside the body, must always be born through cesarean section. This is because the normal delivery process can damage the organs in the case of omphalocele, and uterine contractions can damage the brain in the case of hydrocephalus.
3. When the mother has STIs
When the mother has a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) such as HPV or Genital Herpes, which remains until the end of the pregnancy, the baby can be contaminated and that is why it is more indicated to use cesarean delivery.
However, if the woman undergoes treatment for STIs, she specifies that she has it, and has the infection under control, she may attempt normal birth.
For women who have HIV, it is recommended that treatment be started before the beginning of pregnancy, because to prevent the baby from being contaminated during delivery, the mother must be using the recommended medications throughout the gestational period and yet, the doctor can opt for cesarean section. Breastfeeding is contraindicated and the baby must be fed with a bottle and artificial milk. See what you can do to not infect your baby with the HIV virus.
4. When the umbilical cord comes out first
During labor, the umbilical cord may come out first than the baby, in this situation the baby is at risk of running out of oxygen, since incomplete dilation will trap the passage of oxygen to the cord that is outside the baby. body, in this case cesarean section is the safest option. However, if the woman has complete dilation, normal delivery can be expected.
5. Wrong position of the baby
If the baby remains in a position other than upside down, such as lying on its side or with its head up, and does not turn until before delivery, it is better to have a cesarean because there is a greater risk for the woman and the baby, since the contractions are not strong enough, making normal birth more complicated.
Caesarean section can also be indicated when the baby is upside down but is positioned with the head slightly turned back with the chin more upwards, this position increases the size of the baby's head, making it difficult to pass through the hip bones of the baby. mother.
6. In case of twins
In the pregnancy of twins, when the two babies are properly turned upside down, delivery can be normal, however, when one of them has not turned until the moment of delivery, it may be more advisable to have a cesarean section. When they are triplets or quadruplets, even if they are upside down, it is more advisable to have a cesarean section.
7. Overweight baby
When the baby is over 4.5 kg it can be very difficult to pass through the vaginal canal, since the baby's head will be larger than the space in the mother's hip bone, and therefore, in this case it is more appropriate to resort to cesarean section. However, if the mother does not suffer from diabetes or gestational diabetes and has no other aggravating situations, the doctor may indicate normal delivery.
8. Other diseases of the mother
When the mother has illnesses such as heart or lung problems, purple or cancer, the doctor must assess the risks of childbirth and if it is mild, you can expect normal labor. But when the doctor comes to the conclusion that this can endanger the life of the woman or the baby, he may indicate a caesarean section.
9. Fetal suffering
When the baby's heart rate is weaker than recommended, there are indications of fetal distress and in this case a cesarean section may be necessary, because with the heart rate weaker than necessary, the baby may lack oxygen in the brain, which leads to brain damage such as motor disability, for example.