Things You Can Do to Avoid an Unnecessary Cesarean

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From the International Cesarean Awareness Network

The Public Citizen Health Research Group in Washington, D.C., has estimated that half of the nearly 1 million cesareans performed every year is medically unnecessary. With more appropriate care during pregnancy, labor and delivery, half of the cesareans could have been avoided.

Clearly, there are times when cesareans are necessary. However, cesareans increase the risk to both mothers and babies. These are suggestions of things you can do to avoid an unnecessary cesarean and can help ensure that your birth experience is as healthy and positive as possible.

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Before labor

• Read and educate yourself; attend classes and workshops inside and outside the hospital.

• Research and prepare a birth plan. Discuss your birth plan with your midwife or doctor, and submit copies to your hospital or birth center.

• Interview more than one care provider. Ask key questions, and see how your probing influences their attitude. Are they defensive, or are they pleased by your interest?

• Ask your care provider if there is a set time limit for labor and second-stage pushing. See what s/he feels can interfere with the normal process of labor.

• Tour more than one birth facility. Note their differences and ask about their cesarean rates, VBAC protocols, etc.

• Become aware of your rights as a pregnant woman.

• Find a labor support person. Interview more than one. A recent medical journal article showed that labor support can significantly reduce the risk of cesarean.

• Help ensure a healthy baby and mother by eating a well-balanced diet.

• If your baby is breech, ask your care provider about exercises to turn the baby, external version (turning the baby with hands) and vaginal breech delivery. You may want to seek a second opinion.

• If you had a cesarean, seriously consider vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). According to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, VBAC is safer in most cases than a scheduled repeat cesarean, and up to 80 percent of woman with prior cesareans can go on to birth their subsequent babies vaginally.

During labor

• Stay at home as long as possible. Walk and change positions frequently. Labor in the position most comfortable for you.

• Continue to eat and drink lightly, especially during early labor, to provide energy.

• Avoid pitocin augmentation for a slow labor. As an alternative, you may want to try nipple stimulation.

• If your bag of water breaks, don’t let anyone do a vaginal examination unless medically indicated for a specific reason. The risk of infection increases with each examination. Discuss with your care provider how to monitor for signs of infection.

• Request intermittent electronic fetal monitoring or the use of a fetoscope. Medical research has shown that continuous electronic fetal monitoring can increase the risk of cesarean without related improvement in outcome for the baby.

• Avoid using an epidural. Medical research has shown that epidurals can slow down labor and cause complications for the mother and baby. If you do have an epidural and have trouble pushing, ask to take a break from pushing until the epidural has worn off some and then resume pushing.

• Do not arrive at the hospital too early. If you are still in the early stages of labor when you get to the hospital, instead of being admitted, walk around the hospital or go home and rest.

• Find out the risks and benefits of routine and emergency procedures before you are faced with them. When faced with any procedure, find out why it is being used in your case, what the short- and long-term effects are for you and your baby and what your other options may be.

Remember, nothing is absolute. If you have doubts, trust your instincts. Do not be afraid to assert yourself. Accept responsibility for your requests and decisions.

© International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc.

The International Cesarean Awareness Network is an international, nonprofit organization that works to ensure that women have easy access to accurate information about pregnancy and birth.