Today, mothers are provided with several options with respect to childbirth. Women have more choices now than ever before.
With so many options, how is a mother to choose? Read on to learn which delivery methods are the safest for mothers and babies.
What Are the Primary Methods for Childbirth and Delivery?
There are several different options available to mothers when giving birth to babies. The following list provides the options that women have to choose from:
- Vaginal delivery - This is the most common type of delivery method, as well as the most natural. With this type of delivery, the baby is born through the birth canal. Most women give birth at about 38-41 weeks of pregnancy, but it is difficult to determine exactly when you’ll enter into labor. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that mothers have babies using vaginal delivery rather than a cesarean section for the safety of both the mother and the baby.
- Cesarean section (C-Section) - This method of delivery involves making a surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. This type of delivery is sometimes scheduled ahead of time due to certain medical conditions affecting the mom and/or baby. In addition, C-sections may be done during labor in response to nonreassuring fetal or maternal status.
- Vaginal birth following a Cesarean Section - It used to be that mothers who endured past C-Sections were unable to attempt a vaginal delivery in subsequent pregnancies. This is no longer the case. Mostly due to advances in surgical techniques, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) may be an available delivery option in subsequent pregnancies if the incision that was done previously into the uterus is deemed strong enough for attempted vaginal delivery. The truth is, the majority of women who attempt VBAC have successful vaginal deliveries. However, VBAC is not always possible for all women. There are instances involving pregnancy complications or underlying conditions that disallow the feasibility of a successful VBAC. It is common for local hospitals not to offer VBAC since they likely don’t have the staff or resources to handle such deliveries.
- Vacuum extraction - This type of procedure may be utilized during the event of vaginal or cesarean childbirth. It is used mostly with vaginal deliveries. Vacuum extraction involves a healthcare provider applying a vacuum (a soft cup featuring a handle attached to a vacuum pump) to the baby’s head in order to assist with the delivery of the baby.
- Forceps delivery - This is a kind of operative vaginal delivery that, at times, is needed during vaginal childbirth. It involves a healthcare provider applying forceps (a device in the shape of a pair of large spoons or salad tongs) to the baby’s head in order to assist with the delivery of the baby.
What is the Safest Way to Give Birth?
Every mother’s birthing circumstance is different, which warrants every mother to develop her own delivery plan with her healthcare provider.
With a skilled healthcare provider and nursing staff, vaginal delivery is the safest delivery method available for mothers and babies. Some of the biggest benefits of vaginal deliveries are as follows:
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker recovery for the mom and baby
There are certain medical conditions of the mother and/or baby that may not allow some women to have vaginal deliveries. The following conditions may prompt a C-Section to be scheduled before labor starts:
- A very large baby (especially if the mother is a diabetic)
- Multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Baby is in a breech (bottom or feet first) or transverse (sideways) position
- Previous surgery on the abdomen or uterus, C-Sections, or various uterine conditions that would interfere with a safe vaginal delivery
- Placenta previa (when the cervix is covered due to a low-lying placenta in the uterus)
- Large obstructions, such as fibroids
Have a Medical Malpractice Attorney on Your Side
Most deliveries occur without problems for the mother or baby. But, when an unexpected event occurs and the mother and/or baby are injured, you want an experienced birth injury attorney on your side to investigate and litigate your case for you.
That is why it’s helpful to have accomplished representation on your side to fight for you. If you experienced complications during the birth of your child, it could be due to negligence by a medical professional responsible for your safe birthing process.
If any sort of negligence occurred during the birth of your child, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston, we are highly accomplished in the field of personal injury law, especially in birth injury matters. We are backed by our track record of success with millions recovered on behalf of clients.
We have helped many families receive the compensation they rightfully deserve, and we can help your family, too. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your Maryland birth injury case right away.
Call The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston today at (410) 220-6581 to speak with an attorney about your Maryland birth injury case.