Will a cesarean section make a woman's lower body looser?

Although more and more people realize the benefits of natural childbirth for children and mothers, there are still many expectant mothers who have misunderstandings about cesarean section. For example, some people mistakenly believe that cesarean section only leaves a scar on the belly; some people mistakenly believe that there will be no changes in postpartum pelvic floor function after cesarean section, such as postpartum vaginal relaxation, urinary incontinence, etc. In fact, cesarean section will also leave scars on the uterus; in addition, the pregnancy process itself will have an impact on the pelvic floor tissue, which has little to do with the method of delivery. Therefore, cesarean section may also lead to vaginal relaxation after delivery.

Beware of three major misunderstandings about caesarean section

"The benefits of cesarean section mainly lie in the speedy delivery. For patients, it reduces temporary pain and solves the world's problem of dystocia. For doctors, it avoids the uncertain risks that may exist during normal delivery and reduces the occurrence of liability accidents." However, experts pointed out with concern that after decades of clinical observation and research on the long-term complications of cesarean section, we have found that cesarean section is not only harmful to the child, but also causes the mother to develop a scarred uterus, increasing the risk of giving birth again.

Myth 1: Caesarean section does not cause vaginal relaxation

"There are women who are able to give birth naturally but actively request a caesarean section, in addition to being afraid of pain, a big part of the reason is that they are worried that the vagina will become loose after a natural birth, which will affect their quality of life in the future. In their view, if they choose a caesarean section, the child will not be born vaginally, and naturally there will be no vaginal relaxation." Experts say this is actually a misunderstanding. "Because the pregnancy process itself has an impact on the pelvic floor tissue, it has little to do with the method of delivery. In other words, even if a caesarean section is adopted, there may be changes in the postpartum pelvic floor function, including postpartum vaginal relaxation and urinary incontinence."

Experts remind that women who have undergone cesarean section also need pelvic floor function rehabilitation.

Myth 2: Caesarean section only leaves scars on the belly

"Some people think that a caesarean section only leaves scars on the belly, and they are completely unaware that the uterus will also be scarred." Experts say that a caesarean section will not only leave scars on the belly, but also leave scars on the uterus, causing a scarred uterus.

"Women of this type will have to endure many problems caused by uterine scars in their future lives." Experts say that especially when they become pregnant again, they will experience problems such as scar pregnancy, placenta previa, placenta accreta, and postpartum hemorrhage. "Of course, if the problem is discovered in time, the pregnancy can be terminated. In the early pregnancy, artificial vacuum aspiration can be performed routinely, and in the second trimester, induction of labor can be done by medication and intrauterine puncture. However, induction of labor in a scarred uterus during the second trimester is quite difficult and must be performed in a hospital with permitted conditions and under the close observation of a doctor."

Myth 3: Caesarean section is still required for the second child after caesarean section

With the relaxation of the policy on couples having two children if only one of them is a couple, many women who had a caesarean section for their first child can now have a second child. But many people are worried: if the first child was delivered by caesarean section, the second child will definitely have to be delivered by caesarean section as well. Experts say that this may not be the case.

Experts say that, in principle, a woman with a scarred uterus can give birth naturally, but a risk assessment must be done before delivery. First of all, we need to understand the indications for the first surgery, the surgical method, whether there are complications during the operation, and how the postoperative recovery is. Secondly, the condition of the fetus and pelvis, the thickness of the uterine scar, etc. should be evaluated in the late pregnancy. "In short, the four major factors for a successful delivery - labor force, birth canal, fetus and the mother's mental factors - must adapt to each other." Experts say that whether a child can be born naturally depends on various factors after entering the labor process, such as the descent of the fetus, the expansion of the mother's birth canal, physical condition, mental condition and uterine contractions. "Therefore, before delivery, if a caesarean section is not necessary, you can try to deliver first, and then the medical staff will observe the delivery process and deal with various situations that arise during delivery in a timely manner."

Reminder: Don’t blindly choose cesarean section

"Caesarean section is not the best option for both the child and the mother." Experts remind that unless it is absolutely necessary, do not blindly choose caesarean section, especially not just because you are afraid of pain, to prevent vaginal relaxation, or even simply to choose an "auspicious day." "If you can give birth naturally, try to choose it. For example, in our hospital's critically ill pregnant women treatment center, the natural birth rate can still be maintained at around 40%, which shows that natural birth is not something that is out of reach."