When are cesareans sections absolutely necessary?

Question

Someone went in for an induction and was given the medication to help with contractions softening the uterus. The baby was fine, but mom was not dilating fast enough for the doctors. The baby was not in distress or anything. 16 hours in labor and only dilated 5 cm. Doctor said he will give 1 more hour. If no progress, then they will do a cesarean. WHY is that necessary? Why not wait till the baby comes on it's own?

Answer 1

C-sections are necessary if the baby is in distress or if the mom is having complications that make normal delivery dangerous. In the case you're talking about, it looks like labor had stalled. If the baby is in the birth canal too long, he/she can have some problems. Also, it's really hard on the mom to be in labor for a long time.

Other cases in which a c-section is necessary: Mom has high blood pressure/preeclampsia and the baby has to come out; placenta is blocking the birth canal; Mom or baby has complications from gestational diabetes and the baby has to come out; labor is not progressing properly; baby is breech; water breaks and the baby doesn't come soon enough; mom's pelvis is too small; baby's heartrate is too fast or too slow; bleeding; problems with umbilical cord; any other signs of distress for mom or baby.

I've been reading up on c-sections because I may have to have one although I really don't want to.  My placenta is still too low, and if it doesn't move up during the next couple of months the only safe delivery option is a c-section.  

Answer 2

Sometimes, the baby maybe in the birth canal too long.  That can cause problems because the umbilical cord can get "crimped".  That results in the baby not getting enough oxygen.  Is the baby overdue?

Answer 3

You know, I am all about natural, that baby will come when it is ready.  You find a lot of people trying to induce or force the baby out.  I completely understand if medical issues are the causes to induce.  Nowadays, people "PLAN" when they have the baby.  I totally disagree with that.  When the baby is ready, he/she will come.  I know someone who went in to be induced.  She had the baby and he cries all the time.  I personally think that the baby was not ready to come out so he's giving mommy a hard time right now.  I know to many of these yahoo answer readers may think that this is completely illogical but I don't agree with you messing with mother nature unless it is absolutely necessary.