Vaginal Birth is better than Cesarian Section - Research Paper Example

Vaginal Birth is better than Cesarian Section Abstract The essay aims to address a two-fold objective to wit: (1) to provide an argument which encompasses that vaginal birth is better than Cesarian section to both mother and child; and (2) to support the argument with well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current scholarly articles. Vaginal Birth is better than Cesarian Section Introduction Before the twentieth century, mothers often prefer the option of having a vaginal birth rather than a Cesarian section. Vaginal birth refers to the delivery of the baby through the vagina while Cesarian section refers to the delivery of the baby through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus (Kennedy, 2010, 1). It is not only in United States that the trend for vaginal birth started to decline since 1980s and the choice for Cesarian delivery continuously increases through the years; the same is true also across the world with majority of women electing to have Cesarian delivery (Catling-Paull, et al. 2011, 1658). A number of factors might have influenced the woman to undergo Cesarian section but choosing vaginal birth poses several advantages to both mother and child during delivery including fewer complications. In this paper, the author argues that vaginal birth is better than Cesarian section in terms of cost, safety and patient autonomy. Pros and Cons Relevant studies from United Kingdom echoed findings that babies born from planned vaginal delivery had best outcomes compared to those who had Cesarian sections (Greer, et al. 2009, 675). Of the two approaches, vaginal delivery is cost-effective as it has the least risk for admission to neonatal unit, least need for supplemental oxygen, least need for hospital and physician services, and least incidence of hypoglycemia and respiratory problems. Guise et al. (2010) explained that Cesarian section is more expensive because of the following reasons: (1) longer stays in the hospital of both mother and child and more intensive observation from physicians; (2) longer delivery and operative time; (3) increased risk for perioperative complications; and (4) increased need for baby’s supplemental oxygen because of respiratory complications (39). As reflected on the studies given, vaginal birth offers the most cost-effective approach of delivery because it does not involve an operation/incision that may take days or weeks to heal. It is cost-effective for the mother because only the necessary medications, treatment and services during delivery are being given. There is no need to avail of any additional supplemental oxygen or treatment for the baby as babies born from vaginal birth have fewer respiratory complications. Meanwhile, safety concerns also play a major role whether the mother would like to have a vaginal birth or a Cesarian section. While discomfort or pain during labor discouraged the mother to have vaginal birth, this was significantly outweigh by a number of risks that may harm the mother and child once they choose the Cesarian section. According to statistics ranging from 1970s-1980s, there are no incidence of maternal deaths and only few fetal deaths are recorded among mothers who underwent vaginal delivery (Lyerly & Little, 2010, 339). Women who choose Cesarian section developed perioperative complications such as hysterectomy and postoperative complications such as infection and hemorrhage. On the side of the baby, Cesarian deliveries made starting from 39 weeks of gestation risks the long-term health of the babies as they tend to develop asthma, type 1 diabetes, food allergy, and obesity (Greer, et al. 2009, 675). Therefore, quantitative evidence supports the hypothesis that vaginal birth is safer than Cesarian section for both the mother and child. However, it is only the mother that can decide on which delivery approach she would choose as the mother have the right on her own reproductive health by the power of autonomy. As clinicians and health care provider, make sure to instill all the necessary information to the mother, especially the risks associated from each type of delivery. Our goal is not to threaten the mother or force her to impose a certain delivery approach but to help them decide the best and the safest method of delivery for the mother and child. Lastly, one can say that vaginal birth offers the maximum potential of utilizing autonomy than Cesarian section. The sudden trend in the decline of vaginal birth have been associated to health care institutions who are believed to have limited the choice of the mother, particularly among vaginal birth after Cesarian section. Worst, some hospitals even declined vaginal birth to these mothers and are cautioned because of its safety. However, studies from Lyndon-Rochelle (2010) stated that vaginal birth after Cesarian section is also safe for the mother as long as there are no other pregnancy complications involved (41). Few probable reasons why hospitals tend to decline vaginal birth especially after Cesarian section include access to vaginal delivery, coverage of insurance companies, and presumption of the hospitals and physicians. It is quite unfair to limit the information available for the mother because of these reasons. However, we cannot discriminate the reasons of the health care institutions for unintentionally limiting choices and autonomy. There is no specific guidelines or array of delivery options for mother. In addition, conflict between the principle of autonomy of the mother to choose the right treatment for her and the principle of non-maleficence of doing no harm to the child always coincide. Conclusion Vaginal birth is better than Cesarian section in terms of cost, safety and autonomy issues. Compared to Cesarian section, vaginal birth offers the most cost-effective hospital costs due to least need for medications, treatment, physicians, and hospital stay. It is also safe for the mother and child as it poses fewer complications than the Cesarian section. Choosing vaginal birth gives the mother the greater autonomy to control her health and her child’s health while minimizing complications. Reference List Read More