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Article Series: Pregnancy
Pregnancy: Everything You Need To Know
How
To Avoid a C-Section
While many women actually prefer to have a
cesarean section to not have to deal with labor or to avoid
other medical complications, most women try to avoid
cesarean sections while giving birth. When the majority of women picture
birth, it is this great natural endurance that ends with the
baby coming from the vagina. That isn’t always the case. Your
age and some medical conditions can put you at higher risk
for needing a c-section. Plus, some babies have difficulty
getting into a good position to make a vaginal birth possible.
In addition, shorter women tend to need more c-sections. These
things can’t be helped, but there are many ways to reduce your
risk of a cesarean birth.
The most obvious and most overlooked thing is to find
a hospital that promotes vaginal birthing and has a low
incidence of C-sections. Many women just assume that all hospitals are the same and
that is not always the case. Screen the birthing center carefully
and see what there stats are for vaginal verses C-section.
If you don’t like what you hear, go to a different hospital.
This might require finding another obstetrician as well, although
this is not always the case.
When searching for the right hospital, you are looking for
an overall yearly rate of less than 15 %. You need to find
a doctor who is really on the vaginal birth side of the fence
or consider a midwife. There are many doctors who want you
to have a complication-free vaginal birth and also want to
avoid giving c-sections. If this is a concern you have, discuss
this with your doctor. Chances are, your doctor feels the same
way.
Talk to you doctor about whether they are willing to use forceps
or vacuum extraction. These are great tools of the trade and
can help get a baby out if there is a problem with out having
to cut you open. Some doctors are hesitant to use them and
will suggest you go under the knife instead. However, forceps
and vacuums are safe for mom and baby if used correctly. If
you have concerns about these birthing tools, discuss your
concerns with your doctor first. Make sure the doctor or midwife
you pick has been properly trained and if their practice has
many practitioners, inquire of their experience in case they
are on call at your birth. Sometimes the littlest things can
make a big difference in a delivery. See if your doctor does
perineal massage to help the vagina stretch during delivery.
Ask about episiotomies. This could be a much better choice
than a C-section. An episiotomy won’t hurt as bad as the other
and it heals quicker and has less risk of infection.
One
of the biggest ways you help avoid a c-section is to take
care of yourself. You can cut down your own risk by eating
properly, getting adequate rest and exercise, and making sure
you see your doctor as often as possible. The better health
you are in, the more likely you will deliver vaginally and
have no complication. Sleep as much as you can and rest when
your body tells you to. Don’t overexert yourself or do any
activities that could cause harm to you or the baby. Eat right
by having a varied diet of good, quality nutritious foods.
Avoid eating a lot of sugar or salt, which can lead to some
nasty pregnancy related diseases. Make sure you get exercise
of some kind daily. Talk to your doctor about what is right
for you. Most doctors recommend cardiovascular exercise, such
as aerobics, swimming, walking, or yoga. Just make sure you
join a pregnancy fitness class or buy a video designed for
pregnant women. Also make sure you do your Kegel exercises
to strengthen your pelvic muscles and have a better chance
of a vaginal delivery. If you need to be treated for gestational
diabetes or preeclampsia, do EXACTLY what your doctor tells
you; this could be the difference in a vaginal birth or C-section.
There is the chance no matter how hard you try, that something
could happen to make a C-section necessary. Some things can’t
be helped and often, medical intervention is the only way to
ensure a healthy mom and baby. Don’t be too disappointed; the
best thing is a happy healthy baby at the end of it all. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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