There has been a gradual increase in cesarean births over the past 30 years. More than a quarter of pregnant women in the U.S.A are likely to deliver through  cesarean.

Key Factors in Considering a Cesarean Birth

Several factors can influence the choice of a cesarean vs vaginal delivery. This include the following :

• Choice of health care provider and their philosophy regarding a cesarean birth.
• Birth setting.
• Access to labor support.
• Medical interventions during labor.

Steps for avoiding a cesarean birth

• • Look for  a health care provider and birth settings with low rates of interventions.
  • Create a flexible birth plan and discuss the plan with your health care provider.
  • Ask the health care provider about their philosophy on cesarean and  their cesarean rates.
  • Become more educated about birth by taking child birth classes, reading books and asking a lot of questions.
  • Arrange for continuous labor support from a professional like a doula.
  • Explore options for coping wth pain.
  •  Ask your health care provider about how long you have to delay going to the hospital once labor  begins. A common reason for a cesarean is prolonged labor at the hospital.
  • Avoid continuous electric fetal monitoring  during labor. Studies show that EFM can increase the chance of cesarean by up to about a third.
  • Avoid epidural if possible.
  • Ask for recommendations about turning a breech baby and actively attempt all these if necessary.
  • Avoid induction if possible.
  • When in labor,  find laboring and pushing positions  that work for you as labor progresses.