Birth Options Explained - Planned Vaginal Births & Elective C-sections
Childbirth is one of the most significant and deeply personal experiences in a woman's life. At Wellington Obstetrics, we understand that every mother-to-be deserves personalised support and guidance to navigate their labour and delivery.
In this comprehensive guide, we take a look at two birthing options - planned vaginal deliveries and elective C-sections, highlighting the unique benefits, considerations, and medical support associated with each approach. Our aim is to give expecting mothers knowledge and confidence as they make informed decisions tailored to their individual preferences and health needs. This guide will help you discuss your birth plan with your support team.
Whether you're considering a vaginal birth, contemplating a surgical delivery, want advice on obstetric interventions, or seeking guidance from our experienced team of obstetricians, know that we are here to support you every step of the way.
Planned Vaginal Births
Planned vaginal births offer a traditional approach to childbirth, where women commence labour either spontaneously or after methods to induce labour.
Key factors of a vaginal birth plan:
Preparation
Many women opt to prepare for vaginal birth by attending childbirth education classes and developing birth plans tailored to their preferences. Additionally, discussions with healthcare providers may include reviewing potential medical interventions that could be advised during labour, emergency procedures and pain relief options.
They might also practise relaxation and pain management techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and hypnobirthing. Hypnobirthing is a birthing method that uses hypnosis and other relaxation techniques to help reduce fear and anxiety and provide pain relief during labour.
Support
Throughout the labour process, women often rely on support from partners, family members, midwives and Obstetricians. This support person or team can provide emotional reassurance, physical comfort measures, and advocacy to help the mother maintain her desired birth plan. Some women also elect to engage a doula for additional labour support.
Pain Management
Various pain management techniques are available to women during labour and vaginal delivery ranging from non-pharmacological to pharmacological methods.
Non-pharmacological options, such as movement, water therapy, massage, and breathing exercises, can help alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation. Additionally, midwives and obstetricians may offer pharmacological pain relief options, including nitrous oxide, intravenous pain medications, and epidural anaesthesia, based on individual preferences and medical considerations.
No matter which pain management options you choose or require during labour, the primary goal always remains the same: to ensure a safe and positive birthing experience for both mother and baby.
Medical Support
Midwives and Obstetricians provide comprehensive medical support throughout the labour process, monitoring maternal and fetal well-being, assessing progress, and addressing any complications that may arise.
They are trained to recognise signs of labour dystocia, fetal distress, and other potential concerns, intervening when necessary to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. In cases where medical interventions are required, such as assisted delivery or episiotomy, midwives and obstetricians work collaboratively to facilitate a safe and positive birth experience.
Environment
Creating a calming and supportive birthing environment is essential for promoting relaxation and facilitating the labour process. Midwives and obstetricians work with women to ensure that the birthing environment meets their preferences, which may include dim lighting, soothing music, and privacy. Additionally, they strive to maintain a respectful and empowering atmosphere, encouraging women to voice their needs and preferences throughout labour.
It's important to recognise that vaginal birth may not be suitable for every woman or pregnancy, and decisions should always be made in consultation with healthcare providers, considering individual circumstances and medical history.
By working collaboratively with midwives and Obstetricians, women can access a range of supportive services and interventions to help them achieve a positive, empowering and safe birth experience.
Elective C-sections
An elective C-section, or elective caesarean section, is a planned, scheduled surgical procedure for delivering a baby through an incision in the abdomen.
Unlike emergency C-sections, which are performed due to unforeseen complications that arise during labour, elective C-sections are planned in advance for a variety of reasons, most likely due to factors that are not appropriate for vaginal birth.
Reasons for planning an elective C-section can vary widely among expecting mothers and may include:
Previous Caesarean Delivery: Women who have previously delivered via C-section may require a repeat elective C-section in subsequent pregnancies. This decision can be influenced by factors such as the reason the first Caesarean section was performed, the type of incision made in the previous surgery and the overall recovery experience.
Multiple Pregnancies: Expecting mothers of twins may require or choose after discussion with their health care provider an elective C-section to reduce potential risks associated with vaginal birth in multiple pregnancies. It is usually recommended elective caesarean sections are performed for triplets and higher multiple pregnancies.
Personal Choice: Some women may choose an elective C-section for personal reasons, including reducing the uncertainty of the timing of birth and avoiding the pain and potential complications of vaginal birth. It's important to note that this decision should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, who can discuss the benefits and risks of the different modes of birth.
Medical Conditions: In some cases, pre-existing medical conditions in the mother (such as heart conditions) or the foetus (such as certain congenital anomalies) may lead to the recommendation to schedule an elective C-section.
Breech Position: If the baby is not in a head-down position close to the delivery date, an elective C-section may be recommended.
Elective C-sections, like any surgical procedure, carry both benefits and risks. Benefits may include removing the risk of fetal distress in labour, vaginal birth trauma to the baby and mother and pelvic floor dysfunction such as incontinence and prolapse for the mother. However, risks may include a longer recovery period, a small increased risk of short-term respiratory distress for the baby immediately after birth, and potential complications in future pregnancies.
The decision to have an elective C-section should be made after a thorough discussion between the expecting mother and her healthcare provider, taking into account the individual health circumstances, potential risks, and benefits. This ensures that the choice is informed and tailored to the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.
Remember, the way your baby enters the world doesn't define your journey into motherhood. Whether through vaginal birth, elective C-section, or any other method, each birth is unique and beautiful in its own right.
As the saying goes,
'Birth is not only about making babies. It's about making mothers - strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and believe in their inner strength.'
So, whatever path you choose or end up on, know that you are making the best decision for you and your baby, guided by your individual circumstances and supported by your healthcare team.
Having a birth plan
Birth plans are a way of providing guidance for your carers and support people about the type of labour and birth experience you would like to have.
It may include wishes about the type of birth environment you would prefer, the birth of your baby and placenta, and what pain relief you may want. During your pregnancy, it is important to consider your preferences for this special time and discuss them with your Obstetrician or midwife. This will help you to understand any details, risks or concerns before labour begins. Because every labour and birth is different, it is not possible to predict exactly what will happen. For this reason, your birth plan will be most useful if it is flexible. A rigid birth plan can add to a strong sense of disappointment if things don’t go the way you had hoped for.
Labour and birth are not events that you can have total control over, even when you do everything in your power to prepare. Your body and your baby will often have plans of their own.
The support of an Obstetrician
Obstetricians play a pivotal role in supporting the unique journey to motherhood. With expertise in a spectrum of birthing options, from traditional to alternative methods like hypnobirthing, specialists are uniquely positioned to guide and support expecting mothers through their labour and birth.
Wellington Obstetrics understand that each woman's needs, desires, and circumstances are different, and their specialists strive to provide tailored advice and care that aligns with each individual's preferences and health requirements.
The role of a specialist obstetrician in the birthing process is multifaceted. They are not only medical professionals who ensure the health and safety of both mother and child but also compassionate guides who listen to, respect, and advocate for the wishes of the women they care for.
Obstetricians who embrace the full spectrum of birthing options and who are equipped with the knowledge to tailor the birthing experience to each woman's unique needs are invaluable allies in the quest for a positive, empowering, and personal childbirth experience.
Wellington Obstetrics has a fantastic team of Obstetricians who will create a bespoke care plan that is flexible and tailored to your individual needs. Our holistic approach will address your individual concerns in a sensitive and compassionate manner whilst providing the highest standard of obstetric care.
We have a vast range of experience enabling us to care for women with previous pregnancy loss, preterm birth, multiple pregnancies or underlying medical conditions. We are experts in all models of childbirth, including operative vaginal deliveries, vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) and caesarean sections.
Find out more about our practitioners here.