Responding to Unit 1 Question 5.

Questions I would Consider

Porter Treanor

Salt Lake Community College

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Questions I would Consider

When considering a cesarean section (C-section) or drugs that I would be using while

giving birth. I believe It is important to understand what they are, how they work, and the risks

involved. My objective is to introduce and evaluate the C-section and then the use of drugs while

a mother is giving birth. I believe that it can be helpful to get more information, so I would be

able to make an educated decision when it comes to these things.

What is a C-section:

A C-section is a surgery to deliver a baby through the mother’s abdomen if one or more

problems arises during the process. What types of complications might lead you to getting a C-

section? According to the article Cesarean Section in MedlinePlus 2018 March 5 if you are going

to have a C-section it may be because of any of these issues: the mother has health problems that

make a vaginal birth unsafe or impossible (C-section, 2018 August 31), if the mother is carrying

more than one baby, if infant has a slow heart rate, or even if the baby is too large to pass

through the vagina safely (Medical reasons for a C-section, 2013 June). These are not the only

issues that can come up during the process. if any of these are true for you then you are likely to

go through with a C-section, which consists of these steps. First, you will receive an epidural or a

spinal anesthesia to numb your lower half of the body. Next you will be given a cut across your

belly right above the pubic area, then the surgeon will open the womb and the amniotic sac, and

the baby will then be delivered through these holes, in addition to these steps the mother will still

be awake (C-section, 2018 August 31).

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If it were me having a baby I would absolutely want to know what the risks are of having

a C-section. Now knowing what it is and how it works, what are some risks? Knowing its

surgery and having two loved ones involved really shows that it matters to know what the

impacts can be. According to WebMD’s article What Are the Risks of a C-Section? Some risks

may include infection, injuries to the bladder or the intestines, the possibility of the amniotic

fluids entering the blood stream, although rare, it can potentially create life-threatening

complications for the mother (Amniotic Fluid Embolism, 2015 September 11). Those who may

want another child in the future must consider that more complications can develop while trying

to give a vaginal birth after having a previous birth by C-section (What Are the Risks of a C-

Section, 2016 October 12). Knowing some of the risks, this surgery seems possibly dangerous,

especially for the mom. If there is another option I may want to go with that. If its critical, then at

least I am more understanding of what needs to happen and what kind of risks my loved ones are

in.

Delivery Drugs:

Drugs seem a little scarier to me, cause of possible side effects and just not knowing how

they work on the mom and baby. There are several types of drugs that a mother can use during

the birthing process. drugs such as analgesics, which are to help lesson the pain without any loss

of feeling or movements in your muscles. Drugs that go under this category of analgesics are, for

example nitrous oxide (although a weak analgesic) (Using Nitrous Oxide ,2015 August) and an

epidural. The epidural can be either an analgesic or an anesthetic. Anesthetics are different from

analgesics in that it will block the pain by blocking most of the feeling the mother has. these

types of drugs vary in locality in the body, all over or in specific areas (Medications for Pain

Relief, 2017 May). Other types of drugs for example sedatives help with relieving anxiety and
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are for helping the mother to relax. Reassuring you that they are not to relieve pain but can be

helpful when combined with drugs like narcotics to help make the pain reliving drug more

effective (Pain Relief in Labor and Delivery, 2011). When deciding what may be more helpful

and supportive to the mom, knowing her personality some things like nitrous oxide may be more

helpful for her and the birthing process.

Something of a mystery (without research), side effects and the risks of drugs during

delivery are scary. Some drugs may have more side effects and risks than others. Being aware of

these can be helpful when considering other afflictions, you may not want during the pregnancy.

For the health of both mom and baby. An example of side effects from the drug nitrous oxide

may include dizziness, nausea and vomiting (Pain Relief in Labor and Delivery, 2011). There

isn’t as much of a risk for nitrous oxide as compared to others, in comparison some risks from

using an epidural may impact the baby more than the mom. Things such as, the baby may have a

change in heart rate and problems breathing, which may actually lead to needing to have a C-

section (slow heart rate), as I found and stated earlier. For the mom, most common risks may

include the side effect of itching, which can be treated with medications (Medications for Pain

Relief, 2017 May). Im not implying that I would outright reject an epidural but understanding the

risks may invite me into possibly using something safer that me and my wife would be

comfortable with.

To conclude, there are many things to investigate when contemplating about your

delivery. What kind of procedures take place when an unexpecting C-section needs to happen, or

when knowing what kinds of drugs could be more harmful and or helpful. Being in the

emergency room seems like a scary experience, if I were in that position I would want to know

more about how these things work and what may go on if they were to happen. I lean more
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towards not receiving some drug types like epidurals and going through the C-section surgery,

but if I must at least I will understand more and be able to make an educated decision.

My Question:

5. Imagine that you are or your partner is about to give birth. What questions about cesarean

sections and the use of drugs during delivery would be important to you? What reasons would

lead you to accept or reject a cesarean section and drugs such as tranquilizers, sedatives, and

analgesics during delivery?

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Work cited

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2017, May). Medications for Pain Relief

During Labor and Delivery. Retrieved from

https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Medications-for-Pain-Relief-During-Labor-and-

Delivery

American Pregnancy Association. (2015, August). Using Nitrous Oxide During Labor: Benefits

And Risks. Retrieved from http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/nitrous-oxide-

labor

March of Dimes. (2013, June). Medical Reasons for a C-Section. Retrieved from

https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/c-section-medical-reasons

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, September 11). Amniotic Fluid Embolism. Retrieved from

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amniotic-fluid-embolism/symptoms-

causes
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Work cited Continued

Medline Plus. (2018, August 31). C-section. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development., Medline Plus. (2018, March 6).

Cesarean Section. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/cesareansection.html

Wayne State University Physician Group. (n.d.). Pain Relief in Labor and Delivery. Retrieved

from http://www.wsupgdocs.org/family-medicine/WayneStateContentPage

WebMD. (2016, October 12). What Are the Risks of a C-Section. Retrieved from

https://www.webmd.com/baby/risks-of-a-c-section