Because so few studies have been performed on this aspect of a woman's health, it is difficult to give a concrete answer. In a study designed to follow up on the effects of episiotomies it was found that thirty years later, three-fourths of the women experienced incontinence whether they had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, indicating that incontinence may be a natural result of pregnancy as well as labor and delivery. Studies indicate that the chances for developing incontinence after pregnancy can be diminished through exercise. Currently there are no studies that prove that cesarean section avoids incontinence. The philosophy of care that the midwifery community adheres to advocates non-intervention in the normal processes of birth.
Midwives are confident in a woman's ability to successfully complete the birthing process.
They are experts in the creation of an atmosphere of support which promotes ambulation, water therapy, massage, and minimizes activities that distract the woman from the work of labor. If, after reading this, you feel that some of your questions remain unanswered or if you want to learn more, a wonderful and highly informative book to read is, The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth , by Henci Goer. Conclusion Making sound decisions about health care is not easy. Of course you want to make the best decision for your baby as well as yourself. And what's best for you and your baby may be a different course of action than what was best for your sister or your best friend or your neighbor.