Why Short Mothers Often Need A C-section?

Many expectant mothers with short height (under 1.5 meters) may wonder what’s the best way to deliver their babies. Most assume they need a C-section due to their short height.  In fact, there has not been any scientific evidence to back up the relation between height and delivery method. Here is an explanation on why some women need to take cesarean sections instead of vaginal delivery.

Why are some short women recommended to take a C-section?

The first common reason to choose C-section for giving birth is the disparity between the pelvic bone size of the mother and the size of her baby. Women with short height often have a small and narrow pelvic bone, which can make her delivery more difficult those of women with big pelvic bones. However, during labor, your doctor will closely observe the opening and narrowing of your cervix, the baby’s head size as well as the effect of uterine contractions. Only when they notice any difficulty that can possibly cause troubles for your labor will they recommend a C-section. In case your baby has any problems with their heart beats or position, you might need to switch to C-section. And all of these problems have no relation to your body size.

What do I need to know about C-sections?

In case you might need to have a C-section, here’s the most important facts you should know:

Several weeks before your due day, you should visit the hospital to send your pre-registration forms. You should come to the hospital at least 2 hours early for administration. For the night before the delivery time, you will need several procedures. Initially, you will have an epidural and then anesthesia. Both involve an injection in your back to get you numbed for the operation. Next, you are catheterized in order to avoid getting up for the bathroom during the first 24 hours of recovery. Since this is not a comfortable procedure, make sure to ask your doctor for epidural prior to inserting the catheter. After that, you may be given a type of medicine used to clear stomach liquid acids. You are allowed to request anti-nausea medications, and doing so prior to the epidural will prevent most of the uncomfortable feeling.

Additionally, certain blood tests could be performed before the C-section following your doctor’s recommendation. Checking your blood condition will allow your doctor to prepare for the unlikely event when you need a blood transfusion during the C-section. Also, you should have your surgical site cleaned (shaving pubic hair). If not, the nurse will do it for you by shaving just enough of your pubic hair to clear the way for the incision.