C-Section Tips - Part 6

How To Avoid Having a C-Section

I truly believe c-sections have saved many lives and have helped women escape serious complications during delivery, but typically most women prefer to avoid having a c-section if at all possible. After all it's major surgery, there are risks and recovery takes a lot longer.

So what's a mother to do?

If your doctor says you will need a c-section there probably isn't much you can do if you want to maintain your health and the health of your baby, however if you are relatively healthy and want to do everything you can to help avoid the possibility.  Here are a few things to consider:

 ___Focus on Your Personal Care
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby is to start by taking extra good care of yourself.  I know, this sounds a little obvious, but the better your health, the more likely you are to deliver vaginally and with less complications. Women who are overweight carry a greater chance of having a c-section.  Also if you smoke, this is a good time to focus on quitting.

___Watch Your Diet
Stay conscious of your diet and if you don't already, start eating healthy during your pregnancy. Avoid lots of sugar or salt, these things aren't really good for you anyway.  They can also 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 is something to work on.   Try eating 6 small meals a day, if you have a sweet tooth, try eating fruit, I use to love the sugar-free popsicles but be careful, too many of them can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.  

Also try limiting your intake of starches such as breads and cakes.  For example, when making a sandwich simply roll your cheese and meat up and eat it without the bread.  Ok that didn't sound too appealing to me at first either, but you know, I got very use to it and saved myself from all those carbs, plus you can eat a little bit more of the healthier food when you leave out the bread.

____Get plenty of 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.

____Take Care In Finding a Doctor
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%.

____Use a Doula
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 Doulas is about 50% lower.  That's because Doulas are trained in labor support, positioning, relaxation and massage which are the things that make you more comfortable during labor.  A Doula cannot absolutely guarantee a c-section won't be needed but they can help.

____Avoid Inducing Labor
Induction of labor  can cause an increase in c-sections particularly this is your first birth.  That's not to say all inductions lead to having a c-section.  Your cervix and how ready it is to give birth plays a big part on whether inducing leads to a c-section.  If your doctor is inducing for medical reasons ask your doctor what type of induction will work best for avoiding a c-section.
 
Warmest Regards,

Elizabeth
www.worry-free-c-section.com