Common Reasons for a C-Section Delivery (Planned and Emergency)

Giving birth to a child is considered one of the most wonderful phases in a woman’s life. All women want to give birth to their babies in the most natural way, but not always is it possible. A caesarean delivery becomes a necessity if the mother-to-be has certain complications during pregnancy. There are certain medical reasons that call for a c-section to ensure the safety of the newborn child and the mother.

Video : Reasons for a C-Section Delivery: Planned and Emergency

What is Caesarean Delivery?

A caesarean delivery, also known as a c-section, is a surgical procedure which involves making an incision on the abdomen of a woman, either along the midline or in a transverse manner. This allows the uterus to open and provide access to the child, allowing him to be delivered. Caesarean deliveries are either planned in advance or may be opted if specific complications arise during delivery.

Causes of a Planned Caesarean Delivery

In a few cases, either the mother or a doctor may decide in advance to proceed ahead with a caesarean delivery instead of a normal vaginal delivery. The causes of a scheduled c-section generally depend on the type of pregnancy, the presence of medical conditions, or the medical history of the mother.

1. Multiple Babies

If the pregnancy consists of twins or triplets, the chances of their cords entangling with each other are quite high. In such a case, your doctor may suggest going ahead with a caesarean delivery to keep all the babies and the mother safe throughout the process.

2. Delayed Growth

If it is observed that a baby is growing way too slowly within the womb or that the development has stopped altogether, then it is necessary to get the baby out and put him on support to help with his growth. Thus, caesarean delivery is an ideal way to make this happen.

3. Medical Conditions

Some mothers-to-be may have pre-existing conditions such as hypertension or even gestational diabetes. A vaginal delivery puts a lot of stress on the body and may not be ideal if the mother is suffering from these conditions. Caesarean delivery is a better option in such cases.

4. Hindrance in Labour

As the initial contractions begin and labour sets in, your doctor may notice that the cervix isn’t opening up as much as it needs to, causing problems for the baby to push out of the birth canal. This might lead your doctor to go ahead with a caesarean delivery instead.

5. Presence of Diseases

The presence of sores in the genital region or HIV in the mother might make the passage of the baby via the birth canal a dangerous proposition, leading him to be exposed to those viruses at his most vulnerable stage. Caesarean is the best choice here.

6. The Size of the Baby

Some women, particularly the ones who are diabetic, may have babies with large bodies, making it difficult for them to push the baby through the vagina. Caesarean delivery is not only easy on the expecting mother but also safe in this situation.

7. Previous Loss

A woman may have an irrational fear about delivering her child if she had lost one earlier. To put her anxiety to rest, a caesarean delivery might be suggested.

8. Multiple Caesareans

If previous deliveries of a woman have been via c-section, then opting for a vaginal delivery can cause the uterus to rupture and lead to complications. Sticking to caesarean delivery is the safest way ahead.

Causes of an Emergency C-Section Birth

There are a few cases that are the top reasons for c-section to be executed on an emergency basis in order to keep the baby and the mother safe.

1. Delayed Dilation

If the cervix fails to dilate in the midst of normal delivery, then a c-section is executed right away.

2. Pelvic Disproportion

Pelvic disproportion, also known as CPD, is where the pelvis is smaller than the baby’s head causing the baby to be stuck in the canal. A caesarean is required to deliver the baby.

3. Defects at Birth

If the baby’s heart rate is low or if his brain is filled with fluids, then pushing the baby through the vagina will not be safe, hence an emergency c-section delivery is done.

4. Rupture of the Uterus

In the midst of the delivery, if the uterus splits apart, it could suffocate the baby and be fatal. Hence, a caesarean delivery would be suggested right away.

5. Preeclampsia

When the mother’s blood pressure shoots up, it deprives the baby of the blood and oxygen required during the delivery. So, a doctor opts for a caesarean.

6. Placenta Separation

In rare cases, the placenta is separated from the lining of the uterus, causing internal bleeding and cutting off oxygen to the baby, which makes caesarean a necessity.

7. Low-Lying Placenta

If the placenta fails to rise up around delivery and stays low covering the cervix, then a caesarean delivery is usually advised to prevent the risk of complications.

8. Umbilical Problems

The umbilical cord of the baby could enter the cervix before the baby and obstruct the path or even choke the little one. When a doctor suspects this, he will immediately conduct a caesarean.

9. Meconium Leak

At times, a baby might end up pooping meconium in the womb, causing it to be contaminated and put the baby at the risk of inhaling it. A quick caesarean is necessary to protect the child.

10. Changing Positions

The baby does not stick to one position during birth and keeps moving around constantly. A doctor may suggest a  delivery in cases of polyhydramnios.

11. Non-Ideal Positions

If the baby is in the breech position or even sideways, then he will not come out of the vagina in the right way. A c-section is your best bet in this regard.

12. Intense Bleeding

Suffering a lot of blood loss during delivery can be harmful to the mother, causing doctors to opt for a  caesarean.

13. Canal Obstructions

The presence of fibroids in the canal or the fracture of the pelvis can hinder the delivery path of the baby. In this case, undertaking a caesarean is the only way to get the baby out.

The reasons for elective caesarean section seem to vary from a personal choice to the presence of various medical conditions or history. Irrespective of those, it is best to stick to your doctor’s advice and agree for a caesarean, if there are chances of complications in the midst of a vaginal delivery.

Also Read: Risk and Benefits of C-Section Delivery