Choosing the Method of Birth: Natural Birth or Caesarean Section?

For many expectant mothers, deciding on the method of childbirth can be a challenging process. Dr. Funda Öztürk, who points out the advantages and disadvantages of both birth methods, explained the criteria for vaginal and cesarean delivery. Dr. Funda Öztürk stated that cesarean delivery is less risky for the baby and mentioned that ‘the mother recovers faster in vaginal delivery’.

What to Consider When Deciding on the Method of Childbirth?

Dr. Funda Öztürk, explaining what should be taken into account when deciding on the method of childbirth, listed them as follows: ‘Gestational week, the position of the baby in the mother’s womb, the weight of the baby, the placement of the placenta, the mother’s previous delivery method, the mother’s physical and mental readiness’.

Advantages of Vaginal and Cesarean Delivery

• Advantages of Vaginal Delivery:
• The mother returns to normal life quickly.
• Early bonding between mother and baby.
• The baby’s lungs aerate better.
• Advantages of Cesarean Delivery:
• Rapid delivery of the baby.
• The baby is born through a less risky path.
• No trauma in the mother’s vaginal and rectal areas.

Dr. Funda Öztürk said, ‘The mother returns to normal life quickly in vaginal delivery. Since the baby is born vaginally, the mother’s rapid recovery and return to normal life after delivery are a great advantage. The hospital stay is shortened. A 24-hour stay in the hospital is sufficient after vaginal delivery. The mother returns home in a shorter period. Breast milk arrives more quickly. With the secretion of the Oxytocin hormone during normal delivery pains, breast milk arrives in a shorter period. Since the mother has not undergone an operation, she can be fed more quickly, and as a result, milk production accelerates.’

Dr. Funda Öztürk said, ‘In cesarean delivery, the baby is quickly delivered. In a cesarean section, a lower abdominal incision is made to reach the uterus, and a cut is made in the uterus to quickly deliver the baby. The risks the baby may face during delivery are reduced. The biggest advantage of cesarean section is that the baby is safely taken out of the mother’s womb without experiencing the risks that may occur during normal delivery. Issues such as the baby getting stuck or lack of oxygen do not exist in cesarean section. Since the baby is born through a less risky path, many families prefer cesarean section for this reason. There is no trauma in the mother’s vaginal and rectal areas. In women who have had a cesarean section, there is no anatomical damage in the rectum or bladder area, and there are no problems with urination and defecation after delivery.’