Delivery can occur in two ways, which are normal delivery, which is considered the only natural way to give birth in which the baby is born through the vaginal canal, and cesarean delivery, which consists of a surgery performed at the hospital in that the obstetrician makes a cut in the abdominal region to allow the birth of the baby.
Normal delivery has a faster recovery time, the mother’s risk of infection is lower, and the baby is also less likely to have breathing problems. However, cesarean section may be the best option when there is a risk of complications for the woman or baby, such as gestational diabetes, or emergency situations, such as uterine rupture or placental infection, for example.
The choice of type of delivery should always be guided by the obstetrician, taking into account the woman’s desire, as well as the general health status of the mother and baby, in addition to the risks related to each type of procedure.
Differences between normal and cesarean delivery
Normal delivery and cesarean section vary with respect to labor and the postpartum period. Therefore, see in the table below the main differences between the two types of delivery:
|
Normal birth |
cesarean |
|---|---|
|
It’s natural |
It’s a surgery |
|
Indicated in all situations, as long as the pregnancy is not risky |
Indicated mainly when the pregnancy is at risk and there is a greater chance of complications for the mother and/or the baby |
|
It is not known exactly when it will occur. |
It is usually scheduled, except in cases of medical emergency. |
|
With or without anesthesia |
with anesthesia |
|
Labor can cause pain before and/or during delivery |
No pain during childbirth |
|
Faster recovery after childbirth |
slower recovery |
|
Shorter hospitalization time, which is usually 1 day |
Longer hospital stay, which is usually 2 or more days |
|
Less postpartum pain if episiotomy is not performed |
Greater postpartum pain |
|
no scar |
With a scar, which may be more or less visible depending on the size of the cut and the healing process |
|
Lower risk of postpartum infections or complications |
Higher risk of postpartum infections or complications |
|
The uterus returns to normal size faster |
Uterus takes longer to return to normal size |
|
Lower risk of respiratory diseases in the baby |
Higher risk of respiratory diseases in the baby |
|
The baby has contact with the good bacteria in the birth canal that strengthen his immune system |
The baby has no contact with the good bacteria in the birth canal |
In addition, in cases of normal birth, as the woman does not feel as much postpartum pain as in the cesarean section, it may be easier to care for the baby. However, women who need an episiotomy during normal delivery may experience post-operative pain, as well as in cases of cesarean section. Understand what an episiotomy is and when it is indicated.
A woman may not experience pain during normal delivery if she receives epidural anesthesia, which is a type of anesthesia that is given in the lower back so that the woman does not feel pain during labor and does not harm the baby. Learn more about epidural anesthesia, when it is indicated and how it is done.
When can cesarean section be indicated?
The cesarean section can be scheduled by the obstetrician in advance even if there are no complications or risk for the mother or baby, as long as the woman wishes. However, cesarean section may be indicated when the woman has gestational diabetes or prolonged labor without complete dilation, but it can also be done in emergency situations such as eclampsia or preeclampsia, uterine rupture or placental infection, for example. .
In addition, other situations that have absolute indications for cesarean delivery are chronic kidney disease or lung disease. In these cases, even if the parents want a normal delivery, cesarean section is the safest option, being recommended by doctors. See other situations in which cesarean section is indicated.
