|
|
 |
|
The Cutting Edge: A C-Section Boom
When Terrie Montelongo learned she was expecting, the 26-year-old San Antonio resident did what many first-time moms do -- she chose a color for the nursery, registered for gifts, and dreamed about the day when she would finally hold her baby. But as Montelongo's belly expanded, her mind filled with fear. "I was really worried about labor pain, and the very idea of an episiotomy totally freaked me out," she says. "And the birthing classes didn't help -- the more I learned, the more I was convinced I couldn't handle it." And so Montelongo asked her ob-gyn for a c-section even though it was medically unnecessary. "My doctor was willing to do it, but he made sure I understood the risks and benefits," she says. "Ultimately, the decision was mine." On March 22, 2005, Joseph Michael Montelongo entered the world just as his mother envisioned -- with the help of a scalpel, not a push.
A decade ago, doctors resorted to surgery only if a vaginal birth was deemed too risky for the mother or child. Today, the majority of cesareans are still performed for medical reasons (for instance, the baby is too large or in a breech position, or goes into fetal distress during delivery), but more and more women are requesting to give birth by c-section. Some mothers-to-be, like Montelongo, have qualms about the pain of vaginal delivery; others worry about the risk of urinary incontinence from a vaginal birth, and still others simply like the convenience of scheduling the delivery date. All these women want more control over their childbirth experience.
What do you think of this story? Tell Us.
|
Related Links
|
Comments
Please confirm your comment by answering the question below and clicking "Submit Comment."
We are on our 3rd child. The other 2 were vaginal. I think that women who plan c sections that are not medically necessary really miss out on that special bonding time that you get with your husband. It really is quite special and almost magical to have that experience and -as tough a time as it is- I wouldn't trade it for the world.
5/3/2012 12:30:28 PM Report AbuseI am having my third child via C-section because this baby is breech. I am reading about C-sections to get over my horror of bringing a baby into the world this way. It is one thing if you have to have a C-section, but why would anyone elect to? There are ways for them to make labor and vaginal birth painless and it doesn't always take days. I was in labor for 6 hours with my daughter and 3 hours with my son. And do you know what you are doing to doctor's C-section rates?
7/22/2011 06:39:10 PM Report AbuseDidn't want the first c-section with my daughter. My surgery site opened up after I told them I was experiencing pain and itching.So I ended up with 3 weeks of 4 times daily antibiotics and a permanent hole at my "bikini" line.Oh and no one checked my urinary catheter line for over 36 hours inthe hospital and almost ruptured my bladder. So give me vaginal any day.
6/29/2011 12:59:42 PM Report AbuseI am having a planned c-section in 12 weeks. My first baby was an emergency c-section and I would rather have my baby out within 30 minutes instead of hours. When it is less painful and you can schedule the date and time, I don't know why anyone would want to go vaginal.
5/3/2011 07:36:15 PM Report AbuseI just went to get my check up today and doctor told me i needed a C-section. It is scary, but that was the best choice for me. My baby is over due, size is big and still didn't settle down to my pelvis bone yet.
3/29/2011 05:52:24 PM Report AbuseTo all the mom out there. I going to have my second c-section on 3/29/11. Yes, it is best to be able to vaginal delivery but sometime things are not always what you want. But lucky thing are not as bad as you think. I be able to even do some light house work in a week after come home. Not to worry. Just enjoy what you have.
3/26/2011 02:17:57 AM Report AbuseI'm having a planned c-section next week because my baby is breech. I would much prefer a vaginal delivery but can't due to safety reasons. The recovery takes so much longer and there are so many restrictions. I don't know why anyone would choose a c-section if they can prevent it.
3/25/2011 09:03:34 PM Report AbuseYuck! How can anyone read through that description of a C section and think that it sounds preferable to a vaginal delivery? To each their own, but I'll stick with a vaginal delivery unless there is an emergency! Good, unbiased article, though. Thanks to the author for leaving out their opinion on the controversy & simply stating the facts!
11/30/2010 11:10:01 AM Report AbuseUsually they do it at 39 weeks
11/2/2009 11:13:36 AM Report Abuseif my due date is12/31/2009 and im going to have a c-section can i till them i want my c-section on 12/20/2009
10/27/2009 02:45:30 PM Report Abuse