Which delivery is better: Normal Delivery or Cesarean (C-Section) Delivery? 

Motherhood is a wonderful gift for any woman. It takes 9 months (around 40 weeks)  for a baby to grow inside a woman’s body. The time between conception and birth is known as the gestation period. When one or more babies exit the uterus at the end of the pregnancy, it is known as childbirth/labour/delivery.  

Difference between normal and cesarean (C-section) delivery

When a full-term newborn is delivered via the vagina without any use of forceps or vacuum for assistance, it is known as natural or normal delivery. Vaginal deliveries can be conducted not only in hospitals but also at birthing centers since they require no external medical interventions. 

Cesarean delivery or C-section delivery, on the other hand, is a planned surgical procedure in which an incision is made on a pregnant woman’s belly (either horizontally or vertically)  to deliver the baby. This surgery is only performed when natural delivery is not possible. The most important step that arises before the birth of a baby is the preparation of a baby plan.  A baby plan includes selecting the best Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) and hospital and choice between normal delivery or cesarean delivery (also called C-section). The ongoing debates over whether to choose a normal delivery or cesarean delivery leaves many confused and tensed. Most of them prefer natural birth over C-section. The lack of adequate information is one of the reasons why women don’t opt for C-sections.  To help you choose better, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of both  normal deliveries and C-sections: 

How to know that you are birth-ready (ready to deliver the child)?

Here are some signs which indicate that the woman is at the verge to deliver the baby/babies. These signs may vary from one woman to another. You may experience these  symptoms on or before the delivery process: 

• Dilation of the cervix 
• Strong Intermittent contractions 
• Lack of coordination 
• Watery stools 
• Occurrence of thick mucus in the urine  
• Warm sensation in the abdomen 
• Thick mucus-like substance discharged from the vagina 
• Experiencing back pain which radiates to the abdomen and legs 

Sometimes, a woman may feel false contractions also. 

Advantages and disadvantages of vaginal delivery (Natural/Normal Delivery): 

Advantages

• The main advantage of normal delivery is a quick recovery (within a few days or a week).
• Shorter period of hospitalisation (usually 2-3 days). 
• Normal delivery involves a lesser risk of blood loss, infections, or complications related to medications. 
• It also allows the mother to breastfeed the baby sooner.
• It enables the mother to have immediate contact with the baby. 

Disadvantages:

• Normal delivery is a prolonged process and hence, more physically demanding for the mother to be. 
• The tissues around the vagina get strained so much that it may cause vaginal tear; the woman might need stitches, thereafter. 
• This process can weaken the groin muscles. 
• The woman might feel pain in the perineum (area between the vagina and the anus) as well. 
• It may also result in injury to the pelvic muscles. 
• After delivery, the woman might not be able to control her urine and bowel movements.
• The baby may suffer from a bruised scalp or broken collarbone as the result of long labour. 

Advantages and disadvantages of cesarean delivery (C-section): 

Advantages: 

• C-section is a safer option for both the mother as well as her baby taking into account the risks involved in case of a normal delivery. 
• It helps a mother-to-be to schedule the delivery as per her convenience.
• It reduces the illness and death rates in both the mother and the baby.
• It takes just 45 minutes to conduct a delivery through a C-section while a normal delivery may take hours. 
• C-section deliveries are efficient and easier to perform. 

Disadvantages:

• It requires hospitalisation for a longer period. 
• The chances of post-delivery issues such as infection, pain, and/or soreness at the site of incision can be higher. 
• There are limited possibilities of early breastfeeding on account of an unnatural delivery.
• C- section deliveries are costlier in comparison to normal deliveries.
• It puts the mother at a high risk of blood loss or clotting. 
• The rate of illness and death is higher than in the case of a normal delivery.
• Cesarean deliveries might result in complications in the case of future pregnancies.
• Babies born through C-sections may develop breathing problems like asthma later in life. 

Conclusion:

Women without any medical complications should opt for a normal delivery; those with medical complications can choose C-sections as the delivery option to avoid any further complications at the time of childbirth. 

Here are some conditions under which your doctor may recommend you cesarean  delivery: 

• If a woman carries twins or triplets in her womb.
• If the pregnant woman has obstructed labour. 
• If the baby is too large to be delivered naturally. 
• If you have had cesarean deliveries in the past as well. 
• In case of complications with the umbilical cord. 

In case of any doubts related to the delivery options, you can consult your doctor. The  Obstetrician-Gynecologists at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad use a multidisciplinary approach to solve all your problems relating to pregnancy, suggesting what will be best for you as per your health. They are highly skilled, possessing advanced training and specialization in women’s healthcare.

Dr. Shashi Arora, the HOD, Obstetrics & Gynecology is the best OBS-GYN in Delhi NCR.  With an experience of 40+ years and 60,000+ deliveries performed to date; she is the best OBS-GYN you can ask for.  

Dr. Jyotsana Agarwal is known for offering excellent patient care. With 30 years of rich professional experience in her field, she has mentored many medical practitioners. She offers a number of medical services including treatment of diseases during pregnancy among others. 

Dr. Aparna Arya Tyagi with her hands-on experience in high-risk obstetrics &  management has dealt with numerous complicated cesarean sections, preventive oncology, infertility & gynae cases including family planning procedures. With our best team of obstetricians & gynecologists, you know the best place to deliver your baby – be it normal delivery or C-section. 

Ultimately, it really doesn’t make any difference whether you choose a normal delivery or cesarean delivery (C-section) as both your and our ultimate goal is to make you a healthy mother with a healthy baby.