Worry Free C-Section Tips 7-Part Mini Course

Welcome to Part 2 of my 7-Part Mini Course

Just a few years ago your chances of having a c-section were about 20%. Today, however the latest from the CDC (National Center for Health Statistics) has reported that your chances are now almost 30%.  We're experiencing the highest c-section rate ever reported.

Why are c-section births so high?  Probably because today we're seeing more women choosing to have a c-section for personal reasons such as fear of childbirth pain or keeping on track with personal schedules.  We are also seeing that women who have had previous c-sections are repeating them.  This is primarily due to the VBAC's (vaginal Birth after c-section) decline in recent years. 

In short, c-sections are still fairly high among first time moms and they are the women who suffer the most shock and disappointment at delivering by Cesarean. Take a few minutes and review the various reasons a c-section might occur. Staying aware, addressing health conditions and considering the options can make a big difference in your overall birth experience.  

So what are YOUR chances of actually having a c-section? 

Listed below are some of the reasons a c-section could occur, these by no means guarantee that a c-section will occur, they simply indicate that a c-section may be more likely if you fall into one of these categories.

____Overweight

If you were overweight before your conception and gained 40 pounds or more during pregnancy you run a greater risk of having a c-section. Overweight women also tend to spend more time in the first stages of labor which is about 7.5 hours compared to about 6 hours for a non-overweight mom.

Heavier women are also less likely to have a successful vaginal birth after a prior C-section.

It's important to note that the more weight you gain during pregnancy the bigger your baby could be and this can also make it difficult for your doctor to determine your baby's growth and well-being.

Bigger babies can also be harder to push out.  Health institutes stress that the heavier you are, the longer your labor might be.  In addition additional weight gain can significantly raise your risk of developing diabetes or high blood pressure, which in turn increases your chance of having a C-section.

If you're overweight at the time you get pregnant, this isn't the time to go on a weight loss diet, however following a good, healthy pregnancy diet plan can help. 

____Age

The chance of delivering by C-section is greatest among older, first-time mothers. Half of first-time moms aged 45 and over had surgical births.  Moms aged 40-44 have about a 40% chance. 

This is due mainly because the older you are the more likely you are to experience pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes while pregnant, putting you at greater risk of having a c-section. 

Women 35 and older are also far more likely to undergo fertility procedures and studies have suggested that infertility treatment increases the risk of pregnancy complications.

Other reasons include malpractice concerns among doctors and a preference for surgical delivery among older women.

_____Carrying Multiple Babies

Multiple births such as twins have a higher c-section rate. The decision is often based on how the babies are positioned. If the babies are head first then there is a much better chance they'll be delivered vaginally.  Every doctor is different, some feel more comfortable than others in delivering twins vaginally, especially if the first baby is headfirst and the other is feet first or breech. Other doctors may try to turn the baby to the headfirst position in the uterus so that both can be delivered headfirst. If the first baby is feet first, you will need a c-section. 

If the first baby is head down, there’s a chance your first baby will deliver vaginally, and you will then need a c-section for the second baby. This is more likely if the second baby is breech or if the second baby is larger than the first.

Some mothers may prefer to have a c-section and skip labor altogether, while others want to try for a vaginal delivery. While there is no right or wrong answer, it will depend on what feels right for you and how much discussion you have had with your doctor. 

____High Blood Pressure

If you develop signs of preeclampsia you and your baby will be closely monitored. About 3-8% of women experience preeclampsia which is signified as high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It's normal to have a little bit of protein in your urine, however just a little more than the normal amount can trigger organ damage caused by high blood pressure and reduced blood flow which can also be harmful to your baby.

Sometimes bed rest or hospitalization is recommended. If your doctor is concerned about your health or your baby's health, early delivery may be needed which generally cures the problem. In many cases the result is induction or a c-section.

____Breech Baby

A breech baby means your baby has not turned head down and it is positioned to come out buttocks or feet first. There is a procedure known as an external cephalic version (ECV). It's done by applying pressure to your abdomen and manually manipulating the baby into a head-down position. Babies can be turned by using an evc but it is not often successful and complications can occur.

Your chances are greater of having a vaginal breech delivery if you have a twin pregnancy where the first baby is in the head-first position and the second baby is not, or if your labor is so rapid that you arrive at the hospital just about to deliver. 

However, the majority of breech babies arrive by c-section.  It's comforting to know that a large international study published in 2000 showed that planned c-sections resulted in the safest outcomes for full-term breech babies.

____Had Previous C-section

If your last birth was a c-section you may be encouraged to have another one, the simple explanation is that most doctors just seem more comfortable with this option.

Most often it depends on the type of previous incision you had.  A vertical incision will always require the next birth to be a c-section, however a horizontal or 'bikini cut' is statistically safer for having a vaginal birth after a c-section or (VBAC). As safe and successful as many VBAC's are, be prepared for your doctor to suggest going with a c-section once again.

If having another c-section is not what you want, then you can certainly get a second opinion, but make sure that you find a doctor that has examined your health records carefully and is 100% behind your VBAC decision, this goes for the hospital you will be delivering at as well.  With careful consideration and proper preparation a successful VBAC is quite doable.  

If any of the above describes your situation and a c-section is looking inevitable, I encourage you to take a deep breath, get control and plan carefully.  Having a c-section doesn't have to be scary or horrible, with support, good coaching and lots of helpful tips and advice offered in the Worry Free C-Section you'll get through it with like a pro.

Many Blessings,

Elizabeth