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The debate of whether or not traditional births are better than Cesarean sections (C-sections) or vice versa has been discussed constantly. Researchers finding evidence that praises either methods of birthing has fueled the debate. In a new study, however, researchers can strongly agree that emergency C-sections are generally dangerous even though they ironically are done to save lives. According to this new study, emergency C-sections are associated with an increased risk of stillbirths, which occurs when the infant dies in the womb before it is born.

For this study, the researchers, with lead investigator, Siobhan O'Neill from the University College Cork, looked at over 30 years of data compiled from Danish people. The data was composed of over 800,000 mothers. The researchers found that women who had C-sections that were planned or selected did not have an increased risk of stillbirths. They also did not have difficulty in getting pregnant. Women who needed emergency C-sections, which often result after complications rise and risk of losing mother or unborn baby gets too high, had a 12 percent increased risk of stillbirth in their next pregnancy. They also had more difficulty when trying to get pregnant again.

The researchers stated that the risk factor is small, so women who have had emergency C-sections should not worry excessively. Aside from this increased risk of stillbirths, research has suggested that mothers who have emergency C-sections have more difficulty bonding with their child, possibly due to the traumatic events that occurred during birth. These mothers also have an increased chance of suffering from blood clots and infections. Despite these risks, emergency C-sections are vital in saving the lives of both mother and child.

The study was presented in the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology annual meeting.