Does it seem like more and more women are giving birth by cesarean section instead of vaginal birth? Why is that? Is it based on need, convenience or something else? Keep reading to find out about both options for delivery.

It used to be that all babies were born by vaginal birth, aka a birth canal delivery. If a baby was breech, the midwife or doctor did their best to reach inside and turn the child. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn­t. There were times when the child was too large, or the mother didn't dilate enough, or the pelvis didn't soften for delivery. Both the mother and child suffered during a birth like this.

Things have changed. Cesarean sections are performed when it is not safe for the baby to be delivered through the birth canal. It is usually performed with the mother awake so that she can report any discomfort or changes as the doctor is at work delivering the baby.

Why are c-sections chosen over vaginal births? Well, one reason is fetal distress. If the baby­s heart rate drops during a contraction, that is a sign that the baby is in distress. The baby could be turned wrong or the umbilical cord could be wrapped around the neck cutting off oxygen and blood supply.

Another indication for a cesarean section is a child that is too large for the birth canal. A woman with a small bone structure and narrow pelvis, or a pelvis that doesn't soften and spread, may have trouble delivering a large baby. The head may be in the birth canal too long and the baby could be left without oxygen which could lead to brain damage.

Vaginal Birth

Unless the doctor decides it is medically necessary, most babies are delivered vaginally. Here are some facts about vaginal delivery:

* Less chance of infection
* Shorter hospital stay
* Shorter recuperation time
* Less blood loss
* Possibility of urinary or bowel incontinence

Since the birth canal is the way that babies are designed to be delivered, a baby can be delivered that way in subsequent births as long as there are no problems with the pelvis or musculature of the pelvis.

Cesarean Birth

A cesarean birth is actually a surgical procedure, and as such, you have the possible complications that go along with most other surgeries:

* Bleeding (hemorrhage)
* Infection
* Scar tissue on the abdominal wall
* Longer hospital stay and recuperation period
* Possible bowel issues

Elective cesarean sections are less common than emergency c-sections, except in the case of a second pregnancy after a c-section where it is very common to elect to deliver the second baby by c-section. Because a cesarean section can put the mother at unnecessary risk, elective c-section is a discussion that must be approached seriously with your doctor.

Choosing a cesarean section because it seems more convenient, when there are no other indications for a c-section, is normally not recommended by health care professionals. If you believe a c-section is more convenient than a vaginal birth, make a thorough study of the possible complications before you decide which birthing method is right for you and your baby.