A vaginal birth is what you wanted. But, your baby was not ready to come out the way you planned. Well, you are not alone. It happens to a lot of women out there. Yes, there are a few women who opt for a c-section to avoid the pain of a natural birth. Even though there are planned c-sections, some c-sections are done when unexpected issues arise during delivery. Do you want to know why your baby hesitated to come out? Here are the reasons.
Breech Presentation
As a pregnant woman reaches 36 weeks of pregnancy, most babies turn into a head-down position. This is considered the safest fetal position for natural birth as it makes it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. But, in some cases, the baby is in a breech position. It means that baby’s bottom is down instead of the head. The health care provider can guide you to get the baby into the right position. If all the efforts fail and the baby is not in a head-down position you may have to go for a c-section.
Problem With The Umbilical Cord
An umbilical cord is considered a lifeline for an unborn child as it supplies nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus. If any risk associated with umbilical cord arises, your doctor may advise a c-section. Umbilical cord prolapse is one among them. It occurs when the umbilical cord drops through a mother’s open cervix during labor. This may hurt your baby. Sometimes, an umbilical cord can coil around your baby’s neck or umbilical knots can occur. If any such situation arises, your infant may experience less oxygen and decreased blood flow. Taking all these into considerations, a vaginal birth may not be suitable for you.
Placenta Issues
The complications associated with placenta are not common. However, there are incidences of a low-lying placenta. It occurs when the placenta stays low in your womb, covering your cervix. It will, thus, block your baby’s way out. Known as placenta praevia, it affects about one in every 200 births. If only a portion of the cervix is covered, there are chances of a vaginal birth. However, the baby can’t be delivered through the vagina if the entire cervix is closed by the placenta.
Problems With Pelvis
One of the reasons for your failure to progress during labor is Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD). However, it is rare. Even if a mom tries her best, the baby cannot come through her pelvis. Small pelvis or abnormally shaped pelvis are possible causes of CPD. Cesarean is the safest type of delivery if an expectant mom is diagnosed with CPD.
Multiple Pregnancy
Multiple babies, in fact, double your happiness. But, they are sometimes associated with a higher risk of complications. In most cases, a vaginal birth may seem difficult. For twins, chances for a vaginal birth exists. If you carry more than four babies, usually a c-section is recommended. So, in case of a multiple pregnancy, prepare your mind for a c-section.
No Dilation
When your cervix begins to open or dilate, labor begins. Sometimes, your cervix may not co-operate opening the way for the baby. Your progress in labor is, in fact, measured by how much the cervix has opened. Because it decides the safe passage of your baby through the vagina. There could be many reasons for the absence of dilation. However, if your doctor decides that there is no chance of dilation, then you may have to get ready for a C-section.
Macrosomia
This is a condition in which a baby is abnormally large before birth. Macrosomic babies weigh more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces at birth. Thus, they are likely to have a difficult natural delivery. Obesity, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, and gestational diabetes are some of the factors behind macrosomia. With a too-large baby in your tummy, your doctor may prefer a c-section for the safe delivery of the baby and for your own safety.
A Previous C-section
Well, you may have accepted this fact already if you had a c-section for your first baby. However, it is not a rule. If the issues that led to your first c-section do not exist, then there is a chance of vaginal birth. But, you need to take advice from your doctor regarding vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC). Because there may be other risk factors such as a uterine scar.
