Vaginal delivery or Cesarean section?

Previously, doctors routinely delivered gastroschisis babies by cesarean section, believing this to be the best option to protect the exposed bowel.²¹ However, we now know that unless otherwise indicated by medical necessity, a vaginal delivery is safe for gastroschisis²² babies and a cesarean does not reduce postnatal complications of gastroschisis.²³ Additionally, a cesarean section is associated with significant risks for both mother²⁴ and baby^24,25, can increase risks in future pregnancies²⁶, and mothers face a longer recovery time.²⁷

21. https://www.naftnet.org/WhatisFetalMedicine/Gastroschisis/tabid/169/Default.aspx

22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18779007

23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21328190

24. http://americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/cesareanrisks.html

25. http://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2001/03000/Mode_of_Delivery_and_Risk_of_Respiratory_Diseases.23.aspx

26. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002911.htm

27. http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/cesarean-section-topic-overview?page=2