With the rates of caesarean sections increasing, many women are naturally concerned about needing one. Although some are medically necessary, others can be avoided. If you want to avoid a c section, there are some things you can do before and during labor.
The most important factor in your risk of needing a c section is the practitioner you choose for your birth. Some doctors have higher rates than others. If you have a midwife for your delivery, you have a lower risk of having a c section. In many cases, having a doula present at your birth can reduce your need for surgery.
Communication is important. Talk to your doctor to find out his philosophy about this subject. Ask about the rate of c section in his practice and find out what he does, if anything, to help patients avoid c sections. If he has a high rate, you may want to consider another provider. It is best to have this conversation early in pregnancy.
Some doctors perform c sections routinely for slow progression in labor. The doctor who delivered my second daughter wanted to do this to me. He didn’t understand that I have very long labors and what may be considered abnormal for some women was normal for me. I spoke up and was able to avoid the c section. If I had remained quiet, I would have had completely unnecessary surgery during that delivery.
Realize that movement in labor helps you progress and can reduce your risk of needing a caesarean section. Changing positions and walking during labor is helpful. Fetal monitoring that keeps you restricted to the bed inhibits this movement. Ask for the baby to be monitored intermittently, which allows more freedom of movement.
Another reason for c sections is when the baby is in a breech position. Depending on the position of the baby, a c section may not be necessary. Many doctors automatically require a c section for breech babies. Some midwives will still deliver vaginally. In some cases, the baby can be turned. Midwives are often better trained in this area and more successful in turning a breech baby.
In many women, drugs during labor can slow progress. This is most typical with the epidural. If you want to avoid a c section, consider skipping the epidural. If you do get an epidural, let it wear off prior to pushing. In some women, the epidural makes pushing difficult or ineffective.
The best thing you can do to avoid unnecessary surgery is to become an informed consumer. Learn as much as you can about birth and use this knowledge to your advantage. Know what you want from your birth experience and communicate this to your doctor early in labor.