Have you ever noticed how many pregnant women you see when you’re out and about? It seems like everywhere you look there’s an expectant mother; at the Bartholdi, around Dupont and definitely at MedStar. According to the United States Census Bureau, District of Columbia hospitals deliver approximately 8,000 babies each year, which may explain why the floor is usually packed every time you go in for your prenatal checkups.
In a way it’s comforting to know that at least 7,999 other women are going through the same changes, stresses, and confusion, but on the other hand it makes you wonder how they’re planning on delivering their babies. What information do they have, if any, that helped them decide how to bring their children into this world and what’s the best way for you?
Vaginal Birth
Vaginal birth is the most common and medically preferred delivery method.
Pros:
- Allows your body to go through the natural progression of delivery
- Limits risk of postnatal depression
- Encourages milk production
- Contractions help prepare your baby’s lungs for breathing and decrease the risk of respiratory problems
- Faster recovery time
- Sense of accomplishment and need to care for the child are immediate
Cons:
- Painful, and may take several hours before your baby is born
- Long labors can cause increased stress on the baby
- Complications such as tangled umbilical cords could cause permanent damage or death if not quickly handled
- Fractures or internal bleeding as a result of complications
Caesarean (C-Section)
Over a million c-sections a year are performed throughout the United States. They have become increasingly popular with expectant mothers. However, although they may be more convenient and less painful, they’re also risky.
Pros:
- Can plan ahead and know exactly when your baby will be born
- Can be quickly performed and induce less stress on your baby
- If there are complications during vaginal delivery, an emergency c-section may save your child’s life
- Decreased chance of force fractures or physical injuries to your baby
- Less pain and discomfort than vaginal births; decreased soreness and urine leaks
Cons:
- Operations may be risky for you and your child if complications arise
- Risk of infections
- Increased risk for future pregnancies and vaginal deliveries
- Increased difficulty for breastfeeding; your body may be unaware that it needs to produce milk, since your body didn’t go through the physical changes of a vaginal birth
- Slight increased risk of postnatal depression for the first two months after the c-section
No matter what your decision, your physician should thoroughly discuss the procedure as well as possible complications that may arise during delivery. Every birth is different and various factors can cause unpredicted complications that may cause an emergency c-section to be the only viable choice.
If you believe your doctor was negligent, untruthful, or incompetent during your delivery and you or your child suffered from his lack of professionalism, contact us today for information and a free consultation about your legal rights. We’re waiting to fight for you and to make sure you and your family get the answers and compensation you deserve.
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