In what cases is elective cesarean section indicated?

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Pham Thi Yen - Obstetrics and Gynecology Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

Compared with normal delivery, cesarean section carries more risks of complications for women, not only that, for women who have had a cesarean section once, it will affect subsequent pregnancies and births. Therefore, cesarean section is indicated in some specific cases when the mother cannot give birth naturally.

A cesarean section is surgery to remove a pregnancy from the uterus after laparotomy and hysterectomy. Before the cesarean section, the mother and her family will be explained by the doctor the reason for the surgery, the possible risks for the mother and baby, and signed a pre-operative commitment.

2.1 Abnormal pelvis If it is not the head, then the cesarean section is required. If it is the head position: Caesarean section if the pelvis is absolutely narrow, the pelvis is distorted. Do the cephalocele test to challenge the lower birth canal if the pelvis is limited (the fetus is not large), if it fails, there is an indication for caesarean section. 2.2 Obstructed fetal outflow tract Presumptive tumors: common are fibroids in the isthmus of the uterus or cervix, ovarian cysts, and other tumors located on the outflow tract of the fetus. Central placenta previa or placenta previa causes a lot of bleeding, requiring emergency surgery to stop bleeding to save the mother.

2.3 Uterine with surgical scar in the following case Surgical scars on the uterine body: scar from fibroid removal, scar from hysterectomy, scar from ruptured suture, uterine perforation, scar from angularectomy uterus, uterine horn. Scars from two or more transverse cesarean sections of the uterus or previous cesarean sections less than 24 months ago. 2.4 Indications for caesarean section for maternal causes Mothers with chronic or acute systemic diseases, if the lower tract is delivered at risk to the mother's life (severe heart disease, hypertension, severe preeclampsia and eclampsia). Abnormalities in the lower genital tract of the mother such as: vaginal stricture (congenital or acquired), history of fistula, caesarean section. Abnormalities of the uterus such as: double uterus (womb that is not pregnant often becomes tumor of the prostate), bicornuate uterus... especially when accompanied by abnormal fetal position. 2.5 Causes on the side of the fetus The fetus is malnourished / has severe intrauterine growth retardation. The fetus has a blood group incompatibility with the mother, and if the fetus is not removed, there is a risk of stillbirth in the uterus.

Many women want to have a cesarean section before going into labor because they want to choose a "beautiful" delivery time, or because they are afraid that a vaginal birth will be painful and difficult to give birth. However, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health does not allow cesarean sections at the request of the patient. All other countries are like that. Only surgery according to medical indications, to ensure the highest safety for both mother and child. Normal delivery is still the first choice of doctors, because it is the best and most natural birth method for mother and baby. Although a cesarean section is faster than a normal delivery, it is easy to leave many immediate or long-term consequences and complications for the mother, the doctor will appoint a cesarean section in certain cases when the mother cannot give birth. often.

At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. Childbirth process Newborns receive comprehensive care >>See more: Prevention and treatment of chills in cesarean section - Posted by Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Thi Hoai Nam - Head of Pain Relief Unit - Department of Anesthesia surgery - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital