Natural or C-section?

Delivery can be very stressful, so it’s best to have a clear vision of how you want to welcome Your Child into the world. Ideally, do some research on your own, and then decide which method is the best for you and little Your Child. 

Here are the pros and cons of each birthing method: 

Natural Delivery
In a natural or vaginal birth, the baby is born through the birth canal. It’s hard to know exactly when you will go into labor, but most women give birth at around 38-41 weeks of pregnancy. In the course of vaginal birth, your doctor might attach forceps (an instrument shaped like a pair of large spoons) or a vacuum to the baby’s head to help pull the baby out of the birth canal.

Benefits for the baby:

• The bacteria that are present during natural birth aids a stronger immune system reduces the risk of infection and future allergies later in life;
• Babies born naturally are less likely to have eating disorders or become obese;
• Babies born naturally have a lower risk of respiratory problems.

Benefits for you:

• The risk of  experiencing birthing complications are lower;
• Natural birth has a shorter recovery time;
• Natural birth results in better success for breastfeeding.

Drawbacks:

• Without the help of an epidural, giving birth naturally is more painful;
• Possibilities of vaginal tears during delivery. However, your doctor will put stitches on, and your body will completely recover from it;
• You do not know the exact time that you will give birth.

Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A C-section is the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. A C-section is often recommended and scheduled in advance if you have specific health conditions, expect twins or a very large baby. But your doctor might also recommend it later in your pregnancy if complications arise and are deemed dangerous for you and Your Child. A C-section is also performed if the baby is in a breech position (bottom facing down toward the birth canal).

Benefits for the baby:

• In a case that natural birth may lead to birthing complications, a C-section can help. 

Benefits for you:

• A C-section can be scheduled, which makes it convenient for a busy mother.

Drawbacks:

• A C-section has a longer recovery time and leaves a scar on the abdomen;
• Your Child will not get the natural immunity that is present during the natural birthing process. This could lead to higher risks of future health complications.

Waterbirth
Waterbirth is a form of natural birth that involves delivering the baby in the water. You will be in a tub of warm water delivering your baby. Women who give birth in the water have reported more relaxing and less painful deliveries.

The reasoning behind this birthing method resides in the fact that the baby has been breathing in the amniotic sac for nine months, the little one can pass through the birth canal and out into the world underwater. Then the baby will be lifted off the water to start breathing air. In addition, advocates for this waterbirth believe that by being introduced into the water first, the exposure to changes in the environment such as light and sound is less drastic and abrupt for the baby. 

However, water delivery is not recommended for women with high-risk pregnancies, and the option is not widely practiced in Thailand.