5 Myths About Cesareans You Need To Stop Believing

Dec 18, 2024
News

Many soon-to-be-moms think a C-section is a better or safer option for them because of what they think they know

Cesarean section rates are getting on the rise across the world. While vaginal birth is natural and is often considered the best and safest way to give birth, 30 per cent of all deliveries are through surgery. Also called a C-section, cesarean birth delivers a baby via a surgical incision in your abdomen instead of vaginal birth.
Some women choose elective cesarean deliveries, while others need them for medical reasons, but the decision, doctors say is mostly taken after carefully considering the complications.

Myths around cesarean section

According to experts, many soon-to-be-moms think a C-section is a better or safer option for them because of what they think they know. However, doctors debunk those common myths and popular beliefs regarding the procedure.

Myth 1

Cesareans are just an easy option

Truth

It is commonly believed that some women are "too posh to push," with a perception that getting surgery done is the easy way out. However, according to doctors, c-section is a major surgery. It does seem more predictable because you know the exact timing of when the baby will be born, which does provide some reassurance. However, as with any surgery, it comes with its risks, pain, and recovery period too.
Also, doctors say the recovery process in caesarean birth is way longer than vaginal birth as there is always a risk of complications.

Myth 2

You do not feel anything during the C-section

Truth

Doctors say most of the women during caesarean surgery are awake and are given either a spinal or epidural anaesthetic, which temporarily numbs the lower half of the body. Even though there is no pain, they do feel pressure, pulling, and tugging sensations as the baby gets delivered.
However, once the effect of the anaesthesia wears off, you may feel pain in the stitches.

Myth 3

You can have only one caesarean

Truth

Many women have multiple C-sections, but each additional surgery increases risks, such as scar tissue formation and complications during pregnancy or delivery, such as damage to the bladder or womb.
And that is why doctors recommend proper monitoring and planning as crucial before you get pregnant.

Myth 4

A c-section does not allow breastfeeding.

Truth

Even though the influence of anesthesia can lead to a letdown or slow formation of milk, it still allows mothers to feed their babies. Doctors say that once the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, a sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone levels causes a spike in prolactin levels, causing milk to be produced.
And so, it is important to be patient, offer the breast to the baby at regular intervals to meet the breastfeeding principle of demand and supply, and see the magic of your body naturally work.

Myth 5

Postpartum bleeding is less after a C-section

Truth

Postpartum bleeding after birth is from the site where the placenta was previously attached. This area is now healing a big-sized wound that needs the same amount of time and process for recovery as a vaginal birth.
And so, the bleeding from the uterine cavity would happen irrespective of the method of delivery.
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