What Is the Safest Method of Giving Birth?
Giving birth is a process that has been occurring as long as there has been life on earth, in one form or another. Despite this, it doesn’t make the moment any less scary or stressful when it’s your turn to have a baby. Every birth, whether it’s a woman’s first or their fifth, will be different. Chances are, if you’re due soon, you’re wondering which method of giving birth is the safest.
This overview of birth methods will give you a general idea of what to expect. However, you may not have a say in which one you end up with.
The Different Methods of Giving Birth
There are risks and complications associated with all birthing methods, so it’s hard to say that one is safer than the other. In some cases, the safest method of giving birth will depend on reducing the amount of harm that could impact you or the baby. The options you have to choose from include the following:
Vaginal
This is the most common way for women to give birth. It involves the child being delivered naturally through the birth canal. It may seem like the ideal option, since it’s the one that has been employed for eons, but there are risks involved with this process.
Cesarean
A cesarean is a surgical procedure that involves removing the baby from your womb. There has been an increase in the number of cesareans since this method was first introduced. In some cases, this is the only way for the baby to be safely brought into the world. If a doctor doesn’t order a c-section when one is needed, the mother and the baby will be at an increased risk of injury or potentially even death.
VBAC
This stands for “vaginal birth after cesarean.” This may be an option for some women, but not everyone will be a candidate. In most cases, after a woman has had one cesarean section, that is the method she’ll have to use for any following children she might have.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Safest Birth Method
Women now have a lot more options than women in the past when it comes to giving birth. However, there are still some factors that play a role in your decision. These include the following:
The Risk Factor of Your Pregnancy
If your pregnancy is considered high risk, your doctor will recommend the birthing method that they consider the safest. Your doctor can help you determine the method that will ensure you and your baby’s health, wellbeing, and safety.
Your Health Insurance
You don’t want to think that your health insurance should be able to dictate how you have your baby, but giving birth can be incredibly expensive. Since a VBAC can be risky, your insurance may not want to pay for any damages or emergency medical assistance that might occur. If you don’t want to pay for any of these costs out of your own pocket, then choosing a method that is covered by your insurance might be a good idea.
Choosing the Method That Is Right for You
When it comes down to it, choosing a doctor you trust and being aware of birth injury risks is important for having a safe birth. Complications and issues can arise at any time with any of the methods you have to choose from.
You can’t count on “normal” or “typical” when it comes to childbirth. There are some things you can expect, but every delivery is different. Make sure to keep the lines of communication open with your obstetrician to ensure that you and your baby are happy and healthy before, during, and after birth.
