Natural childbirth is physiological, that is part of the natural conclusion of the experience of pregnancy.
The caesarean section is, on the other hand, a surgery for all purposes, which can sometimes be indicated and many others are not necessary.
The data of cesarean section
In Italy, according to 2008 data, caesarean section is used in about 38% of cases, with an incidence different from region to region, which has peaks of 62% in Campania. With these percentages, Italy is the European nation in which the greatest number of cesarean sections are made.
The reasons are many, sometimes it even happens that the same pregnant women push towards caesarean section rather than towards natural childbirth, often for fear of pain.
Indications for cesarean section
The indications for cesarean section are well explained in the recent guidelines of the ISS, entitled Cesarean section: an appropriate and conscious choice . We summarize:
- breech presentation of the fetus
- placenta previa
- pregnant with diabetes and fetus weighing 4.5 kg or more
- presence of some infections or pathologies of the mother, for example Herpes simplex and HIV
There are also other conditions in which, in the opinion of the doctor, it may be necessary to resort to cesarean delivery, for example in some cases of twin births or in some women who have already undergone cesarean section.
You can learn more about all the techniques of natural sweet birth
Natural birth and pain
Sometimes women tend to cesarean section for fear of pain that can accompany natural childbirth. In reality, cesarean is often more painful, since, in that case, physical suffering moves to the post-partum, which is in effect a post-operative.
One of the first things that are explained to which a prepared course follows is that the pain of natural childbirth is an absolutely subjective condition: it is not the same for all and not all women have the same endurance or the same perception of pain. Being prepared on what will happen to your body is a way, often effective, to face the experience of natural childbirth more calmly.
There are breathing and relaxation techniques, such as autogenous respiratory training, which help to control pain. These relaxation techniques serve to consciously contract a part of the body and then relax it, in order to make the most of the moment of contractions and rest, trying to relax, between one contraction and another. Breathing is also important during labor as it ensures adequate oxygenation to the fetus and reduces the mother's sensitivity to pain. The duration of labor is subjective, generally at the first birth tends to be longer.
When it finally arrives at the expulsive phase, the woman must alternate pushing and breathing; thrusts must follow uterine contractions. Between one contraction and another, proper breathing ensures sufficient oxygen supply to the mother and baby.
Once the natural birth is over, the pain passes quickly and recovery is generally very rapid.
