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Caesarean birth - no pain, no strain
More women than ever before are choosing to have a Caesarean section rather than go through labour. Some people view this rise in Caesarean figures with concern – probably on the grounds that it's not ‘natural’. When all goes well, a vaginal delivery can be a very emotionally satisfying and wonderful experience. For some women, childbirth is the most fulfilling thing they will ever do. Clearly not all women feel the same way and studies show you don’t have to experience labour pains or natural childbirth in order to fall in love with your baby.
It is not unusual to feel nervous about labour and birth, but these anxieties tend to subside as the weeks go by. If, however, you really feel that normal vaginal birth is not for you – yes, it is possible to have an elective Caesarean. But you should know what you are letting yourself in for.
A Caesarean section is when the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus. It is a surgical procedure and involves an operation, which normally takes place in a hospital operating theatre. You will have to sign an informed consent form, as you would before any operation.
Delivering a baby by Caesarean section rather than by normal childbirth is more expensive for the hospital
The idea that an otherwise fit and healthy woman who is capable of giving birth vaginally might, for her own reasons, choose to have an elective Caesarean is still relatively new. You will need to find an amenable obstetrician who is prepared to give you a Caesarean section at your request rather than for a medical reason.
It is, however, extremely unlikely that any obstetrician will do an elective Caesarean under a general anaesthetic. Most obstetricians prefer to operate under a regional anaesthetic, which means you will be awake. This is safer for the mother and better for the baby. A regional anaesthetic involves an injection in the lower spine. This would be an epidural and you will not feel any pain.
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