Natural delivery (vaginal birth) is the most common and safest method of delivery. The uterus contracts and the cervix thins and dilates to push the baby out of the birth canal (vagina). When vaginal delivery is considered unsafe for the mother and/or the baby, obstetricians perform surgery to deliver the baby; this is known as caesarean section (C-section).
Many factors, such as medical history, baby’s health and previous pregnancy history are considered before deciding to proceed with a C-section or natural delivery. Knowing the differences, advantages and disadvantages of C-section and natural delivery is important for planning your delivery and having a safe birthing experience.
In a C-section, the baby is delivered surgically via an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. C-section is a better option than vaginal delivery if the lives of the baby and/or the mother are at risk. The incision is made vertically (belly button to the pubic hairline) or horizontally (across the pubic hairline). Horizontal incision is the method of choice as the blood loss is less.
A planned C-section is performed around 39 weeks of pregnancy when a known medical condition, such as high blood pressure or other heart issues exists. If the mother has a sexually transmitted disease, a planned C-section prevents the transmission of the infection to the baby. If a past delivery was done via C-section, a scheduled C-section is usually preferred for future pregnancies.
This type of surgery is decided very close to or during labour. The plan has been for a natural delivery all along but a few weeks or hours before delivery the obstetrician considers C-section as the best and safest option. This change in delivery plan can be stressful and upsetting for the mother, but it is in her and her child’s best interest.
Emergency C-section is done whether there is imminent danger to the health of the mother or the baby.
There are several reasons why a C-section is preferred as mentioned below:
When the baby is born through the vagina, it is known as natural delivery. It is considered the best method for delivery as the risk is low and it is safe for both mother and child.
The birth occurs without the use of labour-inducing medication.
The labour is stimulated and the cervix is readied for childbirth using drugs.
Instruments such as vacuum devices and forceps safely guide the baby through the vagina.
Labour starts with regular uterine contractions and ends when the cervix has completely dilated at 10 cm. The three stages of labour are described as follows:
Uterine contractions begin and the cervix starts to dilate, reaching up to 5 cm
Intense contractions lasting up to 1 minute and every 3 minutes. Women may request an epidural for pain relief. Obstetricians may administer oxytocin to accelerate labour.
The cervix dilates up to 10 cm and the contractions become more frequent and intense. The woman may experience sweating, shaking or vomiting (symptoms that precede birth).
The cervix dilates up to 10 cm and contractions become intense, followed by the intense urge to push. The duration may last from a few minutes to hours. Childbirth is quicker in women who have previously had natural delivery.
After the baby has exited the vagina, the placenta is expelled from the uterus, which can take up to 30 minutes after childbirth.
Vaginal delivery is indicated for low-risk pregnancies with no complications, spontaneous labour or amniotic sac rupture.
You must have open discussions with your obstetrician regarding your and your baby’s health, delivery options, concerns and preferences to make informed choices. Regardless of your delivery option, you must be flexible and open to changes in the delivery method based on real-time evaluations on the delivery day. Some factors to consider are as follows:
To ensure a safe birthing experience, consider your obstetrician’s advice, health history, baby’s well-being, personal preferences, and cultural beliefs to make an informed decision. However, you must be flexible to change your birth plan based on the healthcare team’s observation on the day of delivery as the main aim is your and your baby’s safety. You must have open conversations with your obstetrician and trust his/her team as they will always prioritise the health and well-being of you and your baby.
Planning your baby’s arrival? Kauvery Hospital’s expert maternity teams in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Trichy provide personalised antenatal care, 24/7 obstetric support and advanced labour suites to ensure a safe, comfortable birth for you and your little one.
C-section is a surgical procedure, while natural delivery happens through the vaginal canal. Each has different risks, benefits, and recovery times.
Natural delivery is generally safer for low-risk pregnancies, but a C-section may be necessary if complications arise for the mother or baby.
Yes, elective C-sections are possible, but it’s best to consult your doctor to evaluate the medical necessity and long-term impact.
C-section recovery takes about 2–4 months, while natural delivery usually allows a quicker recovery in a few weeks.
Some women can have a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC), but it depends on the reason for the prior C-section and your current health.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
