Cesarean birth is a routine and relatively safe surgical procedure yet it remains a significant operation that deeply affects maternal health. According to the WHO research, the use of C-sections is constantly rising worldwide. Current estimates indicate that cesarean sections account for more than one in five (21%) of all childbirths, with this percentage expected to increase to nearly 29% by 2030.
However, after looking at its future complications like excessive blood loss, infection in the uterus lining, and even breathing issues in the baby, nowadays, moms are looking for advice on how they can avoid cesarean.
There is no alternative to vaginal delivery, as it minimizes the risk of blood transfusion. It involves minimal to no medical intervention and even faster recovery time. The benefits of normal delivery are endless, and that's why, in this blog, we will share some effective pregnancy tips to avoid a c-section.
Pregnancy Tips to Avoid a Cesarean Birth
Here are some useful tips to avoid c-section and increase your chances of normal delivery:
Choose Your Doctor Carefully
Some doctors intentionally prefer cesarean birth. So, you need to conduct a thorough search while choosing your gynecologist, who should have a low c-section rate. Look for a doctor who you can trust and express your condition, and based on that, they will give you the right advice.
[Tip: Find a doctor who has a proven vaginal delivery (normal delivery) experience certificate]
Read also: What is Cesarean Delivery?
However, if you have a medical issue (high blood pressure or baby’s breech position) that might complicate your delivery, only in that case, your doctor may advise cesarean delivery.
Healthy and Nutritious Food
Consuming healthy and nutritious balanced food is always a good option for both the baby and the mother. It provides all essential nutrients to both of them, helping in the baby's healthy development and increasing the chance of normal delivery. Try to include more vegetables and fruits, legumes, eggs, fish, etc, in your diet in recommended quantities. These will fulfill your vitamins, minerals, and other nutrient needs naturally.
Ensure Healthy Weight Gain
It is quite normal to put on some weight during pregnancy, but don’t overdo or accumulate unhealthy fat in your body. It will result in difficulty while moving around and could lead to cesarean birth. Taking a balanced and nutrient-rich diet and regular exercising can help you maintain a healthy weight. Here’s a brief overview of how many calories a pregnant woman should take at different trimesters:
| Trimester | Calorie (per day) |
| First Trimester | 1,800 calories per day |
| Second Trimester | 2,200 calories per day |
| Third Trimester | 2,400 calories per day |
Exercise and Reduce Stress
Make sure to perform moderate exercise (like Swimming, Yoga, and Walking) regularly to improve your breath rate and provide adequate oxygen to the unborn baby to avoid cesarean birth. Stress is something that every woman experiences during her pregnancy period. It may further lead to inadequate sleep and discomfort, which can result in a c-section. Try to keep yourself calm during pregnancy time. You can meditate and listen to soothing music to relax your body and mind.
Birth Position
If you’re expecting a baby, you might be curious to know what is the best resting and birth position at the end of labor. However, their no specific position; trying different ones throughout the labor might help to reduce pain. You can try various birth positions such as side-lying, sitting upright, squatting with your partner's support, kneeling, or asymmetrical kneeling, among others.
Wrapping Up
In the end, while some women choose cesarean birth due to health complications, each delivery method has its considerations and should be selected based on individual medical advice. However, natural childbirth is considered the safest type of childbirth since it has a better recovery rate. It also allows women to have a normal diet after delivery. Moreover, opting for a normal delivery reduces post-birth issues and keeps the baby healthier and safer.
While considering the choice between cesarean and normal delivery, it’s equally important to prioritize the baby’s health, even after birth. At Cryoviva, you will get an opportunity for stem cell storage for your newborn; it’s a worthy investment to protect your family’s future. Taking these steps not only aims to ensure a safer birth but also sets the foundation for a healthier future for both mother and child.