Ceserean and natural birthing: important differences to know

Nowadays, women are aware of different birth possibilities, and in some countries, they can choose between natural birth and cesarean birth (C-section).

Some prefer to choose what will be easier and with less pain, even if it is not an urgent case, such as choosing cesarean birth over natural birthing to minimise the pain.

To safely transfer the baby from the uterus to the outside of the body, women must educate themselves and understand the realities and side effects of opening the belly instead of using the cervix, a natural opening. So below, we will talk about c-section vs. normal delivery pros and cons.

What’s the difference between natural birth and caesarean birth?

We should only perform surgical interventions in urgent cases. For instance, if a baby fails to pass through the pelvic bone during delivery, an urgent intervention becomes necessary. However, if the baby’s and mother’s situation is good, then the body can go through this naturally. 

A vaginal birth will take place gradually, and the body will start preparing for delivery a few months before the delivery date. The baby will descend into the pelvic area, and the mother will feel that her belly is lower than it was. In some cases, the cervix will start opening gradually weeks before birth.

Body changes in the third trimester

Before childbirth, some changes prepare the body for a natural delivery. The body starts preparing for childbirth in the third trimester, causing physiological changes such as intermittent belly cramps, gradual water leakage, a lower belly, fuller breasts, and the observation of yellowish milk.

After giving birth, the body begins to heal and prepare for breastfeeding. The mother must have a balanced diet to establish breastfeeding, and this will help her lose her pregnancy weight quickly.

Some uterine changes:

• The uterus begins to contract gradually weeks before birth.

• The baby’s amniotic liquid will be released gradually, and sometimes, the baby’s water will be broken during birth.

• Until the baby is born, the placenta will remain attached.

• After delivery, it will begin to shrink, and you’ll experience cramps for a few days.

Tips for a normal delivery after a cesarean

In some countries, cesarean sections will be done if only the doctor decides that, and the mother will have no choice but to have a vaginal birth. Sometimes a cesarean section will be done during natural birth due to complications that may occur preventing the baby from being delivered naturally, and it is done by opening several layers in the lower abdomen, reaching the uterus so that the baby can be taken out.

Depending on the cesarean the mother had previously and her uterus, the doctor will decide if it is possible to have a natural birth after a cesarean or not, so if you can have a vaginal birth, then here are some tips:

• Try to have a two-year gap between pregnancies.
• Try to avoid gaining too much weight.
• Have a balanced diet, and don’t forget to exercise according to your needs and abilities.
• During pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider regularly.

What are the risks of natural birth after a c-section?

Depending on the uterus and the type of c-section performed before, if a vertical incision is performed, the uterus will not be able to contract for vaginal birth, causing uterine rupture, which may be dangerous for the mother and baby.

Why is natural birth better than a c-section for a baby?

Cesarean birth disadvantages:

• Opening the belly will take several months to heal.

• After the c-section, she will need a longer time to heal and move freely.

• Some abdominal wounds become infected and require constant monitoring.

• Some women will not be able to get pregnant after 2–3 pregnancies, depending on their bodies and the complications they face.

• The baby will not be able to get the natural probiotics from the mother’s reproductive system while birthing.

• Research revealed that compared to children delivered vaginally, c-section babies are more likely to develop respiratory tract infections, obesity, and asthma symptoms.

What is more painful, a C-section or a natural birth?

C-sections are usually performed under full or partial anesthesia, which is why pain is not reported during the surgery. However, women reported a delayed recovery compared with a natural birth.

Would you rather have a C-section or a natural birth?

If you can choose between the two, consider carefully whether cutting your belly will be easier. Maybe at that moment, yes, under anesthesia, but natural birth may be hard work at that moment, but such a relief a few days later.

There are some tips for mothers to prepare for their hospital needs months before delivery, so don’t forget the following necessities for you and your baby:

1. 1. You need two cotton pyjamas.
   2. Warm sweater if you feel cold, as hospital rooms are frequently cold.
   3. We also have maternity pads and baby diapers available.
   4. Baby clothes consist of more than one piece to keep him warm and comfortable.
   5. A moisturizing product, toothpaste, and a hairbrush
   6. Phone charger
   7. I have a towel for you and your baby.

At this stage, there are several things that you should pay attention to and follow up, on during pregnancy:

1. Blood pressure: Blood pressure is mostly caused by bad nutritional habits and stress. A pregnant woman must be careful and monitor her pressure constantly. You must know that you are a precious person, and inside you is your precious child as well. For this, taking care of yourself, as we mentioned earlier, by monitoring your food and taking rest, will facilitate everything later, especially during childbirth.
2. Gestational diabetes: this is the result of what was done previously in terms of nutritional habits, and it must be constantly monitored to avoid complications during childbirth.
3. Fetal movement: Baby movement often decreases in the ninth month, because the size of the baby is larger than before and the space in the mother’s womb is no longer sufficient to move freely. This is where the baby often begins to position itself to facilitate delivery.
4. False contractions: here they can be distinguished by their irregularity and their disappearance from time to time. You can take a warm bath; if it continues, this may be the first sign of childbirth.
5. Fetal water: If abundant water comes out, you must go to the hospital, and in some cases, the water comes out at the time of childbirth.

Staying at home as much as possible will reduce hospital tension and early medical interventions. All you need to do is monitor the progression of your pain, with the most crucial aspect being:

1. 1. Frequent contractions: if contractions return every two minutes or less here, you can go to the hospital.
   2. Some blood may come out during contractions due to the expansions occurring, but you better go to the hospital to double-check.
   3. Try to walk and breathe deeply, and don’t worry; just think about how soon you’ll be able to embrace your baby.

So, keep in mind that if there are no health complications, natural birth is the preferred method, and it heals faster, so you can be as fit as before. So, even before pregnancy, be healthy and adopt a healthy lifestyle, as we mentioned earlier, to stay fit and have as healthy a life as possible.

Every mother goes through this moment and suffers pain, but God does not cost a soul more than it can bear. All women can go through it. Our bodies are ready for this; rest assured and strive to navigate this experience with ease and tranquility. Be sure that whatever difficulties you encounter will disappear the first moment you hold your child.