C-section vs. Natural Delivery – What to keep in mind for a safe birthing experience

by admin-blog-kh | May 19, 2025 12:04 pm

Introduction

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.

Understanding C-section delivery

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.

Types of C-sections

Planned/Elective C-section

A planned C-section is performed around 39 weeks of pregnancy when a known medical condition, such as high blood pressure[1] 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.

Unplanned C-section

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

Emergency C-section is done whether there is imminent danger to the health of the mother or the baby.

Indications for C-section

There are several reasons why a C-section is preferred as mentioned below:

• The heart rate of the foetus (normal: 120-160 beats per minute) is a good indication of its health. Obstetricians[3] will continuously monitor the heart rate during labour. If the heart rate is abnormally high or low, the obstetricians might change the mother’s position, give oxygen or increase fluids. But if the heart rate does not normalise, they will consider immediately preparing for a C-section.
• For a natural delivery, the baby must be in the head-down position. However, in some cases, the foetus is in a different position (breech position) making delivery through the vagina difficult.
• The labour may not or does not progress the way it should.
• The size of the baby is large, making natural delivery difficult.
• The placenta (provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby via the umbilical cord[4]) can prevent the baby from exiting the vagina when it covers the opening of the cervix. This condition is known as placenta previa. Sometimes, the placenta prematurely detaches from the uterine wall, putting the lives of the mother and foetus at risk. This condition is known as abruptio placentae (placental abruption).
• The mother has high blood pressure, is diabetic, has active herpes sores or has an HIV infection.
• If the mother is pregnant with more than one baby.
• Mother had a C-section in the previous pregnancy.
• The umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby, potentially reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to the baby.

Advantages of C-section delivery

• The likelihood of urinary incontinence[5] and pelvic organ prolapse (one or more of the pelvic organs descend from their normal position) is very low.
• A C-section can be planned; thus, the unpredictability of labour and natural delivery does not exist. Women feel better prepared and are less anxious and stressed.
• If the mother or the baby’s life is in jeopardy, C-section is life-saving.

Disadvantages of C-section delivery

• The hospital stay post-delivery and the recovery period is long. Due to the surgery, the mother may experience pain and discomfort, and the healing takes approximately 2-4 months.
• Although very rare, the baby may get accidental skin cuts during the surgery.
• An infection can develop at the incision site.
• The woman may experience heavy bleeding during or after surgery
• Women may experience a reaction to anaesthesia
• There is a risk of developing blood clots[6] inside a deep vein of the pelvis or legs. If the blood clot travels to the lungs, it can cause pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal.
• There is a small risk of bladder or bowel injury during a C-section.
• The risk of developing placenta previa increases with future C-section deliveries. If a woman attempts a vaginal delivery for a future pregnancy, there is a risk of uterine rupture
• The chances of initiating breastfeeding immediately after birth are lower compared to vaginal delivery
• Once a woman has a C-section, future deliveries will most likely be C-section.
• Babies delivered via C-section may experience transient tachypnoea (very fast breathing for the first few days after birth) and are more likely to have breathing difficulties and the risk of asthma[7] during childhood.

Understanding natural (vaginal) delivery

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.

Types of natural delivery

Spontaneous natural delivery

The birth occurs without the use of labour-inducing medication.

Induced natural delivery

The labour is stimulated and the cervix is readied for childbirth using drugs.

Assisted natural delivery

Instruments such as vacuum devices and forceps safely guide the baby through the vagina.

Stages of natural delivery

Labour

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:

Early labour

Uterine contractions begin and the cervix starts to dilate, reaching up to 5 cm

Active labour

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.

Transitional 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).

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.

Placental delivery

After the baby has exited the vagina, the placenta is expelled from the uterus, which can take up to 30 minutes after childbirth.

Indications for natural delivery

Vaginal delivery is indicated for low-risk pregnancies with no complications, spontaneous labour or amniotic sac rupture.

Advantages of natural delivery

• The hospital stay is shorter and the recovery period is quicker.
• Women who have natural delivery do not experience the risks involved in C-section, such as infection, blood loss, complications due to anaesthesia, long-lasting pain and scarring.
• A woman can make skin contact with her baby and immediately start breastfeeding.
• Babies are less likely to suffer from respiratory problems[9] as the muscles involved during natural delivery remove the fluid in the newborn’s lungs.

Disadvantages of natural delivery

• The process of labour and natural delivery is long and tiring.
• There is a risk of stretching and tearing of tissues and skin around the vagina and the rectum while the foetus moves through the birth canal. Sometimes, severe tears may require stitches.
• The pelvic muscles can become weak, causing reduced control over the bowel and urine. Women may experience urine leakage when they laugh or sneeze.
• Labour and natural delivery can be unpredictable. Labour may slow down or stop, preventing further cervical dilation. The obstetrician may consider inducing labour with oxytocin to facilitate labour or opt for a C-section. This sudden change in plans can be upsetting for some women.
• Foetal heart rate may decrease due to compression of the umbilical cord or the foetus’s head.
• Excessive bleeding can occur during or after delivery. Sometimes bleeding can occur several hours after delivery.

Factors to consider while choosing a delivery type

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:

• Women after the age of 35 can have an increased risk of pre-term birth, chromosomal abnormalities, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
• A woman who has given birth via C-section in her previous pregnancy will be recommended to undergo a C-section for the current pregnancy. The option of natural delivery after a C-section will need to be discussed with your obstetrician.
• If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, it may influence your delivery method.
• Previous negative delivery experiences due to certain complications can alter your future preferences, which must be discussed with your obstetrician.
• The foetal position, weight, size and distress; amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus and gestational age of the foetus will affect your choice of delivery type.
• Your personal preferences, such as pain management during labour, the birth setting (home or hospital), family support and cultural beliefs will influence the delivery type.

Conclusion

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between C-section and natural delivery?

C-section is a surgical procedure, while natural delivery happens through the vaginal canal. Each has different risks, benefits, and recovery times.

Is natural delivery safer than a C-section?

Natural delivery is generally safer for low-risk pregnancies, but a C-section may be necessary if complications arise for the mother or baby.

Can I choose a C-section even if I have no complications?

Yes, elective C-sections are possible, but it’s best to consult your doctor to evaluate the medical necessity and long-term impact.

How long is the recovery after a C-section vs. natural delivery?

C-section recovery takes about 2–4 months, while natural delivery usually allows a quicker recovery in a few weeks.

Can I have a natural birth after a previous C-section?

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

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