Controversial! Doctor claims women with ‘fat vaginas’ are more likely to have c-sections
*Please note that The Healthy Mommy strives to provide unbiased stories based on topical news stories. Our articles are intended to inform moms and share people’s opinions so that parents can make their own decisions.*
This story was so crazy we just had to share it and give our moms a bit of a laugh…
A controversial doctor claims the reason there’s a rise in the number of c-sections is that women have ‘fat vaginas’.
Yep, our jaws also dropped to the floor!
(Disclaimer: We do NOT support these ludicrous claims)
Controversial doctor claims women with ‘fat vaginas’ are more likely to have c-sections
Dr. Marco Gaudoin told BBC Radio Scotland he believes overweight women have “fat vaginal canals” making it harder to give birth vaginally.
“With obesity, you’ve got increased fat tissue in the birth canal, which makes the birth canal that much narrower, which makes it harder for the baby to squeeze through the birth canal,” he said.
“So you are more likely to end up with what is called an ‘obstructed labor’.”
It’s not hard to see why Dr. Gaudoin’s remarks have been widely criticized with medical professionals stating there is “zero evidence for this”.
Obstetrician Dr. Virginia Beckett, who is a spokeswoman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, told The Sun Online: “Some women may also experience obstructed labor during birth – this is absolutely not due to the size of a woman’s vagina.
“It occurs because of the position of the baby in the birth canal or a mismatch in the size of the birth canal and the size of the baby.
“Women who are overweight are more likely to have overweight babies, often because of pregnancy-related diabetes.
“Larger babies may not rotate as easily in the birth canal so that assistance is required to safely deliver the baby.”
Dr. Beckett added that vaginas are all very different from each other and it has nothing to do with a woman’s weight.
“Induction of labor and caesareans are safe procedures and can lead to better health outcomes for both mother and baby,” she added.
“We are keen to refute any suggestion which makes women concerned about the appearance of their vagina.”
Now, that makes a lot more sense!
Fear not! If you’ve had a c-section then it’s probably down to a medical reason and absolutely nothing to do with the size of your vay-ja-ja!
Caesarean sections
A caesarean section (c-section) is a surgical procedure in which an obstetrician removes the baby through an incision (cut) made in the mother’s abdominal wall and the wall of the uterus.
There are situations where the safest option for the mother and/or baby is to have a caesarean birth, such as the baby is in the transverse or breech position and placenta previa (placenta blocking cervix).
A caesarean planned in advance is called an elective caesarean but there are also unplanned or emergency caesareans, which may be necessary if complications develop during labor.
A spinal combined with an epidural or a general anesthetic will be used to ensure you have adequate pain relief during the operation.
A caesarean is a common and relatively safe surgical procedure, but it is still major surgery. As with all surgical procedures, there are risks. These may include:
- A longer stay in the hospital.
- Pain around the incision sites.
- Complications from the anesthetic.
- Complications such as blood loss, wound infection, DVT’s, organ damage from the incision.
- Need subsequent c – sections.
- Baby may need help with breathing.
- Skin to skin and breastfeeding may be delayed.
For more information about what choices might be right for you, discuss with your health care provider early in your pregnancy.
Connect with thousands of other moms
For more articles, news and information relating to weight loss, parenting, health and heaps of advice and support, join our The Healthy Mommy Community!
Our Facebook Private Support Group is a non-judgemental and monitored forum where new moms can connect with other moms and seek advice, as well as share tips, tricks and experience.
