Elective C-Sections and Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome
The scheduling of your c-section surgery can present infant respiratory problems, specifically Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
The issue seemed immediately alarming to me so I wanted to examined it a little closer.
Studies have shown that during a vaginal delivery the mother’s body releases hormones from the thyroid that the baby absorbs during the delivery process that helps the baby maintain normal respiratory rates.
A scheduled c-section on the other hand does not give the infant the opportunity to absorb these hormones which can pose a risk of respiratory distress in the infant.
However, it’s interesting to also note that if there is period of labor before having a c-section, for example before an emergency C-Section might occur, there is an opportunity for the infant to absorb some of those hormones.
Another large benefit to having a vaginal birth over a C-section is that the passage of the infant through the birth canal helps squeeze fluid from the infant’s lungs helping reduce the risk of respiratory distress.
In other words, the natural labor process is a good thing for your infant. Unless there is a medical emergency a vaginal delivery is always preferred over having a C-Section.
It’s also interesting to note that c-sections scheduled at the forty week mark of pregnancy have shown no difference in respiratory readings than those children vaginally delivered; so if you are still considering a Cesarean Section, scheduling your C-section before the 39th week is not recommended. To avoid respiratory complications, you schedule your C-section as close to your normal labor date as possible.
Scheduling your c-section for the appropriate period in the growth and development of your child is very important; operating too soon or too late is definitely something a new mother needs to consider.
A vaginal delivery is always the best choice but if you and your infant but if are considering an elective c-section sit down with your doctor and discuss all the pros and cons of having a cesarean versus a vaginal birth, make sure to bring up the possible problems associated with the timing of your procedure and Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Discuss with your doctor what you can do to reduce the risks of respiratory problems during birth and what happens if a respiratory related problem does occur during delivery.
Always do your research and don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. The immediate as well as the future health of your baby may depend on it.
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[...] the 39th week of pregnancy is at greater risk for mild to serious lung and breathing problems or Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Having a c-section alone presents the likelihood of respiratory problems for baby but the risk [...]