...Your Guide &
Resource To Caesareans
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Caesarean Prevention: Is It Possible? In today's society, Caesarean Sections have become common place. With the increasing rise in labor inductions, use of fetal monitoring, and a large percentage of doctors refusing to educate their patients on VBAC, this should come as no surprise. For expectant moms, this realization can be frightening. The uncertainty surrounding what truly causes the need for a Caesarean Section can be overwhelming, but there are measures that can be taken to help possibly prevent having an unnecessary one. When you get that first pregnancy test, the farthest thing from your mind is the risk of a Caesarean Section. However, one of the first steps in preventing one is to check the Caesarean rate of your doctor to see if their Caesarean rate is unnecessarily high. A doctor, by all means, plays a crucial role in your pregnancy and impending delivery. Choosing a doctor with a low Caesarean rate can help in preventing one. From your very first appointment with your doctor, be up front with him or her about your desire to prevent a Caesarean. Do not be afraid to express your concerns, to ask questions, or to stand your ground. Your pregnancy, and your birth are both full of decisions that are up to you. While you may have a doctor in mind, don't rule out the possibility of having a midwife instead. Midwives have lower Caesarean rates, Epidural rates, forceps deliveries, and induction rates. Midwives are mother oriented, and are an excellent way to help prevent a Caesarean Section. To find a midwife in your area, visit: The American College Of Nurse-Midwives website. If you decide against a midwife or even if you decide to choose a midwife, a Doula is an excellent idea as well. Doulas are trained professionals who help provide labor support. They are trained to provide emotional and physical support, as well helping with breathing techniques, massage and more. If you are interested in hiring a Doula, visit: Doulas Of North America website. When you get that first pregnancy book, do not skip past the paragraph, page, chapter or whatever section is dedicated to Caesarean Sections. Educating yourself is important and can play a key role in preventing a Caesarean. It might be the last thing you want to think about, but thinking ahead can be what keeps you off of the operating table. When those first contractions begin, it is incredibly tempting to rush to the hospital. However, while it is wise to call your doctor or midwife to inform them that contractions have started, it isn't always a good idea to leave home. If your contractions are irregular or are more than four to five minutes apart, your water has not broken, and the pain is bearable, try staying home as long as you safely can. While at home you can relax in the shower, walk, and find comfort in your surroundings. While it might not seem like it, this can help in preventing a Caesarean. Staying home while your contractions are bearable, irregular and more than 4-5 minutes apart can help ensure that induction methods such as Pitocin are not needed. Once your contractions become regular and are within the 4-5 minute range, you will most likely be admitted, as long as your cervix has dilated. Doctors and hospitals differ, with some hospitals admitting patients at 2-3 centimeters, while others only admit patients at 4 centimeters. Once admitted, try to avoid staying on your back as much as possible. Staying on your back can make the contractions more painful, and slow down labor. Try walking, rocking in a rocking chair (if available), or squatting as much as possible. These activities can help speed up the labor process, and in turn, help you avoid a Caesarean due to "failure to progress." Fetal Monitoring, while a wonderful and helpful method, can also contribute to an unnecessary Caesarean Section. If you and your baby are experiencing no complications, it is alright to forego continuos fetal monitoring. Today, hospitals are leaning more towards continuos fetal monitoring, and unfortunately, this is contributing to the rise of Caesarean Sections. Continuos fetal monitoring requires expectant moms to stay in the bed, and usually on their backs. As I mentioned previously, staying on your back can actually slow down labor and make it more painful. Fetal Monitoring is also famous for being misinterpreted. When a fetal monitor strip is misread, whether it be mistaking your heart rate for the baby's or mistaking your movements for something more, an unnecessary Caesarean Section can take place. Once you are admitted, request that you not be placed on continuos fetal monitoring. Your nurses will still place the fetal monitor on you at intervals to ensure that both you and the baby are alright. Caesarean Sections can be prevented. Please keep in mind that this isn't to say that all Caesareans can be prevented. Complications such as a prolapsed cord, uterine rupture, or placenta abruption, are all means for an emergency Caesarean and cannot be avoided. If faced with a complication that requires an emergency Caesarean, do not hesitate to ask questions if you feel that it is necessary. It is important to remember that pregnancy, labor and birth are all natural processes. When the time comes, both your body and your baby will know what to do. Remember to educate yourself, ask questions, and above all, take care of yourself and the life growing within. Copyright 2004 Jaime Warren |
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