Family-Centered Maternity Care - Research Paper Example

As a result of complications during delivery, many women in modern society have in many cases opted for a caesarian delivery other than the normal vaginal birth. Many cases have turned out to be successful while few have resulted in complications. However, the main focus of attention for many health practitioners has been whether or not to perform a C-section on subsequent deliveries or whether vaginal birth is possible in deliveries that come after a C- section. Due to complications that might be associated with vaginal birth after a C-section, it is therefore not much recommended. The main purpose of this research paper is to demonstrate that due to consequences associated with vaginal birth after a C- section, a repeated cesarean section is much better. 

Introduction

Newby (2006) observes that over a long period of time, a caesarian section meant that there were no hopes for future vaginal birth by the affected mother. A C-section for any given mother delivering was termed as the safest way of ensuring that other complications related to birth do not result and both the mother and baby remain safe. However, continued research found out that indeed, it is possible for the mother to deliver through vaginal birth in other deliveries after a C-section. Recent research has however shown that the mother is much safer if a repeat C-section is carried out than when she opts for a vaginal birth.

Vaginal Birth After C-Section (VBAC)

Celeste (2010) argues that due to changes in surgical operations and advancement in technology, vaginal birth after a C-section has been made possible in most cases. Statistics indicate that between 60% and 80% of cases of VBAC have turned out to be successful without any signs of complications. Whether a VBAC will be successful or not wholly depends on whether a hospital has enough resources in terms of equipment and manpower to handle an emergency C- section in case it fails. In addition to that, many birth complications have become a hindrance to a successful VBAC.

In 2005, the US center for disease control and prevention highlighted that the rate of Caesarian delivery had hit 29.1%, which is almost half of all deliveries that were recorded. The most notable fact about this is that almost 90% of those mentioned above registered as candidates for VBAC in their next delivery. Further research shows that most women who have had both a C-section and a vaginal birth opt for the latter in most cases. There are however several risks that are associated with VBAC including.

1. Risk of uterine rupture

Many medical practitioners have reservations about a VBAC because of the risk of uterine rupture during the process. Mansion and Ammer (2009) argue that if one had a caesarian with a low transverse incision, then this puts him at risk of about 2% uterine rupture during the process.

1. Twin pregnancy

A VBAC is also not suitable for the delivery of twins because it puts the mother at a greater risk than a repeated caesarian where chances of succeeding are high.

1. Risk of failing

In cases whereby a VBAC is attempted but fails, there is a higher risk of infection doubling because it leads to an emergency caesarian. It is also associated with a temporary discomfort around the vagina for the mother.

Repeated Caesarian section

            Many scholars argue that a repeated caesarian section can be a life-saving option for both the mother and the baby. Although much medical personnel has been on the forefront in advising women who have had a C-section before to try vaginal birth, statistics indicate that many of them opt for a repeated C-section in the fear of not wanting to risk their lives (Goodrich, 2007). To add to that, findings of research done by Mansion and Ammer (2009) indicated that a repeated caesarian section is mostly associated with increased maternal age, low maternal height, and where there is no previous vaginal birth.

            However, the repeated caesarian section receives much support because of the advantages that it is associated with as compared to VBAC.

Advantages of a repeated C- Section

A repeated C- section is positively associated with:

1. Small chances that the baby will develop respiratory complications

Research shows that babies who are born with plenty supply of oxygen are less likely to suffer from the effects of anoxia. A repeated C-section puts the baby in a better position to get an adequate supply of oxygen