Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Repeat Cesareans may put babies at risk

It seems that for the most part, the option of having an elective repeat c-section is presented as if it holds no risk to the baby. Some women choose to forgo even attempting a VBAC, in order to protect their baby from any potential harm. We hear so much about the danger of VBAC and uterine rupture, to the point of where hospitals and doctors are refusing to offer it as an option. Yet, we hardly ever hear anything bad about choosing a c-section instead.

The truth is that they BOTH have risks. With both options there are no 100% guarantee of a healthy mom and baby. Because of this, mothers need to be well informed with what those risks are before they make their decision, and ultimately decide which risks she is ready to take. I have talked with women who have been scared by their doctors when it comes to trying for a vbac. They start to base their opinion of vbac on their doctor's fear instead on what is fact, or what they truly feel best about. My own OB/GYN informed me that "VBACs are way too risky," and yet didn't say anything about the risks involved with having another c-section.

It is very one-sided unfortunately, but the information is out there for those who care to have it. This is not to say that a mother would be wrong for choosing a ERC instead of a VBAC. I just think that women need to be completely informed about each option before they decide.

I personally, didn't know about the risks to my girls before I had my c-section. I know I signed a c-section consent form right before they wheeled me into the OR, but I can't recall what was on it. One of my daughters did end up in the NICU, which wasn't what we were anticipating. After learning more, I am not surprised that it did happen as babies are TWICE as likely to end up in the NICU following a cesarean section then after a vaginal birth. It's just one of the risks every mom should know about.

Repeat Cesareans may put babies at risk

This article can be found here.

AURORA, Colo. (May 22, 2009) – The babies of women who have an elective repeat Cesarean delivery are twice as likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit than babies of women who have a vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC). That’s according to a new study from the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine.

The study shows babies born to women who have elective repeat Cesarean deliveries also continue to need oxygen in the neonatal intensive care unit.

“The costs of the birth for the mother and the infant are greater in the Cesarean section group,” according to the lead author of the study, Beena Kamath, MD, MPH, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine.

Kamath and researchers from UC Denver, Colorado School of Public Health and The Children’s Hospital looked at the records of 672 women who gave birth at University of Colorado Hospital. Each of the women had one prior Cesarean delivery. Three-hundred-forty- three decided to have another Cesarean while 329 planned a vaginal birth.

“Controversy exists on the recommended mode of delivery in women who have had one prior Cesarean section,” Kamath said, “It is important for women to discuss the risks and benefits of their delivery options with their doctor, and also to realize that the decision to have their first Cesarean section may affect the way they deliver if they have more children.”

The study appears in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

About Me

I'm a mother of three living in AZ who had a cesarean section with my first pregnancy due to one of my twins being breech. While grateful for the medical technology used to deliver my twins, I am determined to prevent myself from experiencing any uneccesary c-sections and interventions in the future. My ultimate goal is to achieve a vbac with the rest of my pregnancies and to do so in an environment where my wishes and my body are respected. This blog is about my journey to achieving the *best* birthing experience I can, by learning from my mistakes, becoming educated, and moving forward. I hope to help other mothers and women out there who are trying to do the same.

Thank you for reading:)

Why should I care about Cesarean Rates?

Many women feel content and happy with their birth experiences in the hospital. I understand that not everyone feels the need to change in this area of their life. Currently, 1 in 3 pregnant women are delivering their child by cesarean section, at a rate of about 30%. The CDC has reported that this percentage is twice what it should be, and it has become apparent that there are a lot of unnecessary cesareans being perfomed. Cesarean Rates effect EVERY woman who will ever become pregnant and deliver in a hospital in the U.S. They have the potential to effect your health and the health of your baby, and thus effect your family as a whole. Cesarean Rates in the US are not going to lower on their own. It's going to take women becoming more educated in their birth choices and rights, and ultimately assuming a more active role in their births to make a difference.