Pros and Cons

PAIN

Normal Delivery
Pros: The labor pain actually guides the mom subconsciously to move in ways that facilitate the birthing process. For example, back pain may be an indication that the child is in a posterior position. By moving, the woman may facilitate the baby’s rotation in the birth channel.

Cons: You accept the pain and discomfort as part of giving birth. It’s a long process that’s physically and emotionally grueling. There’s no easy task for the mom, hence the name "labor"!

Cesarean Delivery
Pros: Anesthesia lessens childbirth pain. It can also lessen abdominal pain and pain from bruising and stitches in the perineum.

Cons: You lose any sensation or alertness during the birth that can help the whole process along and get the birth over quickly.

RISK

Normal Delivery
Pros: You get to avoid a major surgery and potential risks like scarring, severe bleeding, reactions to anesthesia, and infections.

Cons: Your tissues and skin might tear because there is a possibility that the vagina will stretch as the baby moves through the birth canal.

Cesarean Delivery
Pros:It can be more convenient for a mom and reduce her stress about anticipation of labor. A C-section better equips you to deal with complications during pregnancy such as inverted foetus, macrosomnia, placenta blocking the cervix, and conditions which might cause complications during labor.

Cons: Risk of complications from anaesthesia (pneumonia, allergic reactions, low blood pressure).

RECUPERATION

Normal Delivery
Pros: Quicker recovery time. You can move around freely, which may both reduce pain and accelerate healing time. The average length of a hospital stay is between 24-48 hours. Pretty quick, huh? Sometimes, if you’re feeling well enough, the doctor may even let you leave sooner than expected.

Cons: You may experience bleeding and vaginal discharge (lochia) that may last from 2-4 weeks and can come and go for about 2 months. Vaginal soreness, includes pain, discomfort, and numbness. Soreness may be worse if you have a perineal tear or episiotomy.

Cesarean Delivery
Pros:Although you may have bleeding and vaginal discharge, you won't have the contractions, or feel the pain between your vagina and back passage (perineum). For some time afterwards you will have a very sore wound and tummy, but this can be managed effectively with pain medication.

Cons: Longer hospital stay (3-5 days) and longer recovery period. You will need bed rest for some time (up to several months), which may impede the care of newborns.

COST

Normal Delivery
Pros: Less expensive — your health insurance may cover the procedure.

Cons: Cost for private hospital starts from P30k and up, if you don’t have health insurance.

Cesarean Delivery
Pros:You can ask for financial assistance from SSS and Philhealth to help reduce cost.

Cons: Potentially more expensive. It may cost around P80k, and your insurance may not cover this procedure.