Elective Cesarean Section
There are many paths to consider when a person becomes pregnant. The parents must decide whether to keep the child or not, then what type of care they will have while pregnant, and finally how they will bring the child into the world. There is the traditional method of birth where the infant is pushed through the vagina and there is Cesarean Section, or C-Section, wherein the baby is removed from the mother's womb surgically. The latter method is most often utilized when there is a potential health risk in a traditional birth. However, in recent years, it is becoming more and more common for women to choose C-Sections for reasons such as being able to schedule when the child will be born, less recovery time, and assorted other benefits. In the 1960s, birth by C-Section accounted for approximately 3% of the population. At present C-Sections make up over 30% of births. In many parts of the world, like China, the number of C-Section births is closer to 50% (Harmon 2010). 11.7% of births were elective Cesareans, that is they were C-Sections which were performed although no medical risk to mother or child was perceived. This growing rate has led to some in the medical profession becoming concerned that people are putting perceived convenience ahead of their own safety, as well as what is best for the soon-to-be child.
Management/interventions:
Cesarean sections are performed very frequently and it is the responsibility of those attending the patient and her unborn son or daughter to ensure that the mother-to-be understands all the potential risks of the choice she makes. There is far less danger to women undergoing C-Sections in the modern era than there have been in the past, but the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that reduction of health risk is only in regard to women and babies who were in more danger from a traditional birth (Harmon 2010). Any elective surgery, as an unnecessary Cesarean...
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