Scheduled Childbirths
For medical necessity and convenience, labor is frequently induced. Failed inductions, however, account for a big chunk of first-time C-sections. To activate labor, cervical ripening agents, Pitocin, and artificially rupturing membranes may be very effective, but they may not ultimately work if mom and baby aren’t physiologically ready. A cervix that is not ripe and ready might not dilate. Rupturing membranes when baby’s head isn’t properly aligned in the pelvis can lead to a difficult trip down in the birth canal.
News accounts have recently focused attention on scheduled C-sections, aka Cesarean Deliveries on maternal Request (CDMR). Women who opt for CDMRs may be motivated by such factors as convenience-set the date, buy grandma the plane ticket, and so on-as well as fear of pain or complications. Women are afraid of childbirth. Our culture doesn’t support birth being a natural experience, but education, support, and pain management can overcome that. C-section is usually safe but there are physiologic benefits mom and baby miss.
