How to Avoid a C-Section: 5 Must-Know Tips for a Smooth Vaginal Birth
Here’s the deal: Sometimes, a C-section is 100% necessary for the health and safety of you and your baby. But if a vaginal birth is your goal, you’re probably wondering - what can you do to up your chances of avoiding surgery?
So, let’s talk about five key ways to help tilt the odds in favor of a vaginal delivery!
💡 Disclaimer:
C-section rates are on the rise, with rates in the U.S. ranging from 23% to nearly 40%. But why? The most common reasons include stalled labor (a.k.a. labor dystocia), concerns about the baby’s heart rate, breech or transverse positioning, multiple babies, or suspected fetal macrosomia (big baby energy). Among these, stalled labor and fetal heart rate concerns account for more than half of first-time C-sections.
1. Get Prepped Like a Pro
Preparation is everything! Craft a Birth Wishlist (a.k.a. a flexible birth plan) that includes both a vaginal and C-section plan - because, let’s be real, birth can be unpredictable.
Some pro tips:
✔ Take a comprehensive childbirth class that covers all scenarios (including C-sections) so you feel educated, not caught off guard.
✔ Do your own research from reputable sources, but always chat with your provider - Google doesn’t have your medical history, but your doctor does!
✔ Keep an open mind. Birth rarely goes exactly as planned, and that’s okay.
Bonus: Check out our course “Be Confident: Your Prenatal Essentials” to prepare!
2. Hang at Home for As Long As Possible
If you’re low-risk, consider laboring at home before heading to the hospital. Why? Early hospital admission can increase the likelihood of interventions (like Pitocin or breaking your water), which can sometimes lead to, you guessed it, a C-section.
Here’s what to watch for before heading in:
Contractions are regular, strong, and close together (generally 3-5 minutes apart for at least an hour).
You can’t talk through contractions (because ouch).
Your gut says, “Okay, time to go!”
Hospitals operate on a schedule, and long labors can make providers antsy to move things along. By laboring at home, you allow your body to progress naturally before stepping into that hospital setting.
3. Opt for Intermittent Monitoring (If It’s Safe for You!)
Ever seen those belts strapped to a laboring person’s belly? That’s continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), and while it’s standard, it’s not always necessary for low-risk pregnancies.
Why does this matter? Research (including a 2017 Cochrane Review) shows that continuous monitoring hasn’t improved outcomes for low-risk pregnancies but has led to increased C-section rates.
The alternative? Intermittent monitoring, which allows more movement (squatting, walking, swaying - all great for labor progress).
BUT if you’re high-risk, being induced, or have a prior C-section, continuous monitoring might be necessary. Always check with your provider as they can provide information and recommendations specific to you!
4. Consider a Doula for Extra Support
A doula is a trained birth support pro who helps guide you through labor, and research shows that having one can:
Reduce C-section risk by 25%
Increase spontaneous vaginal birth by 8%
Lower epidural use (if that’s your goal)
Improve breastfeeding success
Doulas aren’t accessible to everyone, but having a strong support team (partner, family, friends) can be just as helpful. If you’re part of a group that faces disparities in birth outcomes (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ parents), extra advocacy and support can be invaluable!
5. Boost That Natural Oxytocin!
Oxytocin = The “love hormone” AND the contraction powerhouse. It helps labor progress naturally and can even reduce the need for synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin).
How do you encourage your body to release oxytocin?
💕 Dim the lights & create a calm birth space
💕 Limit interruptions & unnecessary chatter
💕 Stay upright & move around (sitting still isn’t great for labor!)
💕 Try nipple stimulation or light breast pumping (if medically okay)
💕 Surround yourself with supportive people
A relaxed body releases more oxytocin, which means stronger contractions and better labor progress. Win-win!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, birth is unpredictable. Sometimes, a C-section is the safest and best choice - and that’s okay! But by following these five tips, you can boost your chances of a smooth vaginal delivery while feeling more in control of your birth experience.
