How To Avoid A C-Section
C-Sections are often a very necessary surgery, but truthfully, most women want to know how to avoid a C-Section if at all possible.
After all, a C-Section is major surgery and there are risks, not to mention c-section recovery takes much longer.
If you are relatively healthy and want to do everything you can to avoid having a c-section or at least reduce your chances, here are some things you can do…
Avoid a C-Section by Not Inducing Labor
The chance of having a c-section nearly doubles if you are induced, so induction of labor should never happen before 39 weeks unless it is medically needed.
Reasons for induction might infection, fetal distress, low amniotic fluid levels, high blood pressure or gestation runs longer than 42 weeks. For these reasons induction may be necessary, however these are things you can do to help avoid induction:
- Choose a care give with a low induction rate
- Be Clear that you do not want to be induced unless it it medically necessary
- Drink lots of water to avoid low amniotic fluid levels
Hiring a Doula Can Help Avoid a C-Section
Hiring a professional Doula is one of the best ways to reduce your risks of having a C-Section.
It’s been noted that the c-section rate for women using a Doula is about 50% lower. That’s because Doulas are trained in labor support, positioning and relaxation. They can also communicate with your doctor more effectively and understand what is truly necessary and what is not.
Hiring a Doula won’t absolutely guarantee a c-section won’t be needed, but they can help.
Watch Your Diet
Avoid lots of sugar and salt, especially salt as it helps you retain water which isn’t good during pregnancy. Too much salt and sugar can lead to pregnancy related diseases like gestational diabetes and toxicity.
Cravings are a big problem during pregnancy so avoiding those late night or middle of the day cravings by eating 6 small meals a day. If you have a sweet tooth, try eating fruit.
Also try limiting your intake of starches such as breads and cakes. Occasionally these are fine but limit them when you can.
One of the things I would do to limit my carbs would be to roll lunch meat and cheese and eat it without the bread. You can actually eat more of the healthier foods when you leave out the bread.
Find a Doctor That has a low C-Section Rate
The doctor you choose can lessen the risk of having a c-section that isn’t necessary.
When shopping for a doctor ask about their c-section rate for first time c-sections. This number should be no higher than 10%.
Also if you plan to have a VBAC or Vaginal birth after c-section, make sure your doctor and hospital support that.
Keep Up Your Exercise
Check with your doctor first but there are lots of pregnancy related exercises that are so good for your health and staying in shape.
Things like walking, swimming and yoga. Yoga is also really good for relaxation. Also, try signing up for a local pregnancy class or buy a pregnancy exercise tape. Keeping circulation and muscles in shape is especially important right now.
Doing Kegels which are pelvic exercises, also help strengthen your pelvic muscles. Pulling in your pelvic muscles by tightening them several times a day will help strengthen them making a vaginal birth more successful.
In Summary…
There’s no absolute guarantee you won’t need a c-section, but if you really want to know you’re doing all you can to avoid one, it’s worth taking the time to find out why c-sections occur and then take the steps that can help reduce your risk.
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