Pregnant? A C-Section Could Happen To You
Most women who have a healthy pregnancy never expect that a C-Section could happen to them,
but the unfortunate truth is that today about 30% of women deliver by Cesarean every year.
Why is that?
To accurately answer this question, it helps to know why a c-section's occur.
The six most common causes of a c-section birth are due to the following:
- Repeat C-Section - If your last birth was a C-Section your very likely to have a repeat
C-Section which is standard practice for many doctors and hospitals. However because of the high rate of
C-Sections, the medical community is trying to change their views and be more open to performing VBACs (vaginal
birth after C-Section). If you would like a VBAC you should absolutely discuss it with your doctor.
- Induction of Labor - Any time a woman experiences induction of labor the chances increase
for having a C-Section. If your doctor recommends inducing, be sure there is a good solid medical reason
for doing so or you could end up with a C-Section.
- Breech Position - A baby that is in the breech position will mean a C-Section unless
the baby can be turned around which is often very difficult to do and is rarely successful.
- Multiple Births - A mother having multiple births will often have a C-Section, however
that is not always the case; however multiple births do often require having a C-Section.
- Fetal Distress - If a mother has labored for many hours with no success of reaching 10
centimeters the baby will often end up in fetal distress. That means the baby's heart rate may increase
or decrease, or the baby may be deprived of oxygen. When this happens a C-Section is often the only
remedy.
- Elective C-Sections - Today we're also seeing more moms electing to have a c-section due
to convenience or the fear of childbirth pain.
Most first time moms don't usually plan on having a c-section unless their health or the health of their baby is
at risk. So it's not until after many hours of labor that a first time mom will be hit with the surprise that she
needs a c-section.
What You Can Do To Avoid the Possibility of a C-Section
If you are pregnant and planning a vaginal birth it may be a good idea to understand why C-Sections occur and
how you might avoid one should the possibility of a surgical birth arise, and it could.
For example, many C-Section occur because of inducing labor. If you know that inducing labor increases the
chance for a C-Section then you can challenge your doctor should he request an induction. There are certainly
medical reasons why an induction may be necessary, but if your doctor is requesting to induce for no other reason
than he thinks you’re tired or your labor has lingered to long, then that may be a reason to step up and say
no.
Before your doctor makes any decisions regarding the birth of your baby you should always make sure that he
explains what he is doing and that there is a sound medical need.
In fact, every woman should understand why c-sections are performed and what your options are based on your medical
conditions at the time.
Most reasons that lead to having a C-Section are unavoidable but there are some things you can do to help limit
your risk of having a C-Section like watching your weight and keeping a good handle on blood pressure.
My advice to you is to clearly understand the reasons why a c-section may be necessary, do everything you can do to
prevent a c-section and have a plan in the event a C-Section occurs. Learn about what happens during a C-Section
and what is needed for C-Section recovery.
The fact is that a C-Section could happen to you. That’s not to say it will happen, but in
the unforeseen event that a C-Section does occur, knowing about the procedure, preparing for a C-Section and the recovery
process can make a significant difference in your overall birth experience.
For the essential advice, tips and help with having a C-Section, including recovery, avoiding
unnecessary pain and risks and how to get back into shape safely, the Worry Free C-Section is the only
resource you'll need.
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