A Few Things To Consider If Planning A C-Section For Delivery

DETROIT (WWJ) – There are lots of important decisions women have to make during pregnancy, and deciding how to deliver is one of them.

WWJ Health Reporter Sean Lee has a look at new advice about choosing whether have a cesarean section or c-section.

New guidance on c-sections says planning for a vaginal delivery is best, but it’s important to understand why women request a c-section, when there isn’t an obvious threat to the health of the mother or the baby.

It’s part of this week’s Journal of the American Medical Association.

The author, Mass General’s doctor Jeffrey Ecker, lists the reasons some women may request a cesarean delivery, including concerns about pain, vaginal tearing and other risks to themselves and their babies.

Estimates suggest c-section on request probably occurs less than one percent of the time.

Doctor Ecker says having an on-going conversation about delivery options with a patient, and discussing how many pregnancies she’s planning is most important.

That’s because the risks from cesarean delivery go up with every c-section a woman has.