How to avoid an unnecessary cesarean section

The final stretch of pregnancy involves special preparation for the moment of delivery. Mothers hope to be able to give birth to their son naturally, although Many times this is not possible and we must intervene by cesarean section. Specifically, it may happen that the factors for which a cesarean is going to have to be done are known in advance.

Other times it will be necessary to intervene surgically, either because it is necessary to advance the delivery or finish it by caesarean section.

The percentage of children brought to the world by this surgical intervention is getting higher, so it is good to follow a series of tips to avoid unnecessary cesarean section.

Tips to avoid unnecessary cesareans

1. Maintain adequate nutrition to avoid being overweight. Following a healthy diet during pregnancy is a key player that can reduce the risk of cesarean delivery. Foods with calcium, iron, zinc, protein are essential during pregnancy, in the right amounts to avoid overweight, as this would cause the baby to be larger than normal for natural birth.

2. Exercise regularly and combine it with rest. Playing sports during pregnancy favors the cardiovascular and muscular condition, reduces the risk of overweight, improves blood pressure and exercises the muscles to prepare them for childbirth and avoid cesarean section.

3. Learn about all aspects of childbirth and postpartum. Being informed helps mothers to be more relaxed to face the last phase of pregnancy. It is important to contrast the information you receive and consult different sources.

4. Decrease stress by practicing relaxation techniques. During the last weeks of pregnancy it is common for mothers to suffer what is known as the syndrome of the Nest, that is, the feeling of stress and anxiety to have everything prepared. It is very important that the mother is relaxed so that the birth can evolve correctly.

5. Trust your body and your ability to give birth. Many women feel fear at the time of giving birth and prefer to be intervened by cesarean section. We must remember that women give birth from the beginning of humanity, and that childbirth has never been dangerous in itself.

6. Choose carefully the gynecologist-obstetrician who will attend your delivery. This is very important because there are many gynecologists who tend more to perform surgery by cesarean section than others. Investigate if you are going to have patience during labor, giving yourself the time you need to dilate without pressure or if you want to speed up the process to finish faster, which will probably end in cesarean section.

7. Attend a childbirth preparation course where you can receive all the necessary information to make informed and responsible decisions, for your care and that of your baby. IRA the preparation courses helps mothers to face more safely at the time of delivery and their development is favorable to not have to interrupt by cesarean section.

Ana Vázquez Recio