Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 20 January 2023

Normal vs CS Did you know that in the Philippines, most women prefer the vaginal type of delivery since it is cheaper than cesarean section type of childbirth? Vaginal birth is the most common and safest type of childbirth. The term “Natural birth” has been used to describe childbirth without medication for pain or speed up labor. This means not using any pain medication during labor but receiving other medical interventions such as fetal heart monitoring. Women rely on relaxation techniques and controlled breathing to help relieve the pain in the absence of pain medication during delivery.

The natural type of delivery involves minimal to no medical intervention. It is also beneficial to both mother and child. Benefits of a vaginal birth include: hospital stay will be shorter and your recovery time will be faster; your baby will receive beneficial bacteria; you’ll avoid the risks of major surgery; you’ll be more likely to engage in early breastfeeding; fewer complications in future pregnancies and of course you will save money.

Babies born through the birth canal are exposed to beneficial bacteria that will improve their immune system and gut health. Studies have found that babies born by C-section are more susceptible to health problems such as asthma, food allergies, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and obesity later in life. Most women who have given birth through natural delivery stay for 24 to 48 hours in the hospital while two to four days after a cesarean. Recovery is longer in C-section compared to vaginal delivery and it will take six to 10 weeks for the wound to fully heal. Mothers are also discouraged to do any strenuous activities during the first six weeks after surgery. Surgery presents several risks, these include inflammation of the uterus, bad reaction to the anesthesia, infection, hemorrhaging and blood clots, and amniotic fluid embolism.

As much as we want natural delivery, most physicians will agree that cesarean delivery (C-section) should be performed only when medically necessary. Women who have high-risk pregnancies are not recommended to have a natural birth. A pregnancy may be considered high risk if you are older than 35 years old, drank alcohol and used drugs while pregnant, have had a previous C-section, have a medical history of diabetes, preeclampsia, or blood-clotting issues, carrying more than one fetus, and have had certain complications during pregnancy. It is important to know that a C-section can be painful and have many risks. Overall, vaginal birth requires less recovery time, has fewer risks, and requires a shorter hospital stay. This makes it the ideal choice for a healthy pregnancy.

ZDN DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND

References:

1. Types of Delivery

https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/delivery-methods#1