Cesarean not Risk Free

Posted by Brenda Lane Mar 2, 2007

Over 40,000 births were reviewed in a recent report in the Canadian Medical Journal. The reseachers have discovered that the incidences of complications such as blood clots, infection and major bleeding is three times more likely with mothers who have had a planned cesarean versus those with a vaginal birth.

These results dispute the commonly held misconception that planned cesareans are "safer" to the mother. Doctors have often argued that if a cesarean is planned, there is greater control over complications and will result in fewer problems.

Given results that cesareans also carry more risk to the newborn, this new study is compelling evidence that mothers should be given the opportunity to have a VBAC instead of a planned cesarean.

How do you feel about planned cesarean birth? Share it with us on our discussion forum.

Brenda