If you have given birth through C-section before, you can plan with your doctor to have the surgery in subsequent deliveries. This is referred as Elective Repeat Cesarean Section (ERCS)
Giving birth naturally after CS is possible (VBAC), but it comes with risks that can be life-threatening. You can read more about that here. That is why you some women prefer to have a repeat C-section.
Reasons for a Elective repeat Caesarian Section
There are medical and non-medical reasons that can prompt you to go for ERCS.
- You get to decide when you’ll give birth. You and your doctor will pick a day (preferably one week to EDD) when you’ll go in for the surgery. Such an arrangement reduces the anxiety of waiting for delivery.
- Do you suffer from heart conditions, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or lung diseases? If you have such chronic medical conditions, doctors will advise you to deliver through Caesarian section. Vaginal births can be fatal for moms with long-lasting illnesses.
- Sexually transmitted diseases. Think of STDs like genital herpes and gonorrhea, which can be spread to the little one during vaginal birth. So, this is one reason women go for elective repeat C-section.
- Suppose you have an extraordinary pelvic shape or size or unusual positioning. Your baby could be lying in a horizontal position or with his buttocks towards the vagina.
- The baby could be too big, or you’re carrying multiples! Also, some women have a small pelvis. Under such circumstances, a CS is the safest option for both mother and child.
- If you have an up-and-down (vertical) incision from your previous C-section, you can have a repeat CS.
Advantages of elective repeat caesarian section (ERCS)
- There’s minimal risk of uterine rupture, leading to mom’s death due to excessive bleeding.
- There’s little possibility that your child will be denied oxygen during birth.
- Since it’s a planned surgery, you know what to expect. Therefore, you will be psychologically prepared for the procedure and the healing period.
- There’s a low risk of sexual dysfunction after delivery.
Disadvantages of elective repeat caesarian section (ERCS)
- A CS is as risky as any other serious surgery you know. Some mothers have lost their lives on the surgeon’s table. Also, there have been cases where the baby is cut in the process.
- Having another CS means you’ll stay longer at the hospital since a repeat operation takes longer and is more complicated.
- You might develop complications that you have to deal with for a long time. You must have heard of women who have had back problems since the caesarian.
- Having several C-sections increases your chances of getting a hysterectomy or thrombosis.
- You’re likely to give birth through surgery in the future.
If you plan on having an elective repeat C-section, make sure that you choose a hospital that can handle an emergency. It would be best if you also had a team of experts to take care of you. Also, consider discussing every detail of your plan with your doctor.
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