Are C-Sections Avoidable? What You Need to Know

What You Need to Know About C-Sections

A cesarean section (C-section) is a surgery that is sometimes performed to help deliver a baby. During a C-section, a doctor will cut into your belly to deliver your baby. Sometimes, doctors perform C-sections to keep you and your baby safe. But not all C-sections are necessary. Today, too many people are getting C-sections when they might not need them. Experts currently say that only about 1 in 10 births should be C-sections. But in the U.S., about 1 in 3 babies are born this way. C-sections can take more time to heal, can be expensive, and can even be more dangerous than vaginal births. That is why it is important that only people who need them have C-sections.

Why Do C-Sections Happen?

There are many reasons doctors perform C-sections. Here are some of the most common:

Labor takes too long: If you're trying to push your baby through your vagina for many hours and the baby is not coming, a C-section might be needed.

Baby is in distress: If your baby is in distress, for example, if their heartbeat is not normal or there are problems with the umbilical cord, a C-section may be needed.

Twins, triplets, and more babies: If you are having twins, triplets, or more babies, a C-section might be needed. The more babies you are having, the more likely it is that you will need a C-section.

Placenta problems: The placenta is the organ that feeds and gives oxygen to your baby inside the womb. If it detaches from the wall of the womb (placenta abruption), or if it moves to the bottom of the womb and covers the entrance to the birth canal (placenta previa), it can cause you to bleed heavily. If either of these occurs, you may need to have a C-section.

Big baby: If your baby is more than 9 or 10 pounds, a vaginal birth may be difficult or unsafe and you may need to have a C-section.

Baby is badly positioned: If the baby is not positioned well—for example, if the feet or buttocks are at the bottom or it is sideways in the womb, it can make a vaginal birth difficult and a C-section might be needed.

Mom has health problems: If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or certain infections, a C-section may be needed to keep you and your baby safe.

Past C-section: If you had a C-section before, you might need to have a C-section again. But you may be able to safely have a vaginal birth—this is called a vaginal birth after C-section, or VBAC. It is important to talk to your doctor to see what the best option is for your specific needs.

Can C-Sections Be Prevented?

While sometimes a C-section is needed to protect the health of you and your baby, many times they are not needed. By knowing the signs of problems that could lead to needing a C-section, you can avoid having one. Pay attention to the following warning signs:

Baby’s movement: If your baby is not moving as much as they usually do, something may be wrong. Call your healthcare provider immediately if this happens.

Blood pressure: Check your blood pressure often. High blood pressure can be a sign of preeclampsia, which can be dangerous for you and your baby.

Weight gain: Gaining too much weight may be a sign that you have a large baby. Large babies can be difficult to deliver vaginally.

High blood sugar: High blood sugar during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. Your healthcare provider can test and treat you, typically when you reach 24 to 28 weeks.

What Should You Do If You Experience Warning Signs

If you experience any of the warning signs, call your healthcare provider. Do not wait for your next appointment.

Maria’s Baby Stopped Moving

Story: Maria was in her third trimester when she noticed her baby was not moving as much as it used to. She thought the baby was “resting” so she did not get help right away. After a few days, she got worried so she went to the hospital. Her doctor told her that her baby was in danger and she needed an emergency C-section.

Lesson: If your baby stops moving or is not moving as much as you are used to, it could be in trouble. Call your doctor right away. If your baby kicks less than 10 times in two hours, something may be wrong.

Mira Had Headaches and Swelling

Story: At 35 weeks, Mira had bad headaches and swelling in her face and hands. She thought these were normal. After a few days, she started having trouble seeing right—everything seemed blurry. When this happened, Mira went to the hospital, where her doctor told her she had a bad case of preeclampsia and had to have an emergency C-section.

Lesson: Bad headaches and swelling can be signs of preeclampsia, which can be dangerous for you and your baby. Call your doctor if you experience headaches or swelling.

How BobiHealth Can Help

BobiHealth is an app that can help you keep track of your health at home during your pregnancy. With BobiHealth, you can track kick counts and weight gain, but you can also track other key health information that can help you spot signs of health problems that could lead to you needing a C-section. For example, BobiHealth can help you track:

• Blood pressure: High blood pressure during pregnancy is the first sign of preeclampsia.

• Blood oxygen levels: Low blood oxygen is a sign that something is wrong.

• Body temperature: Fevers or big changes in temperature can be signs that you have an infection, which can be dangerous for your baby.

The app will remind you to track these health signs and symptoms every day. If the app finds that something does not look right, it will alert you to call your healthcare provider. It is also important to attend all prenatal appointments as this app is meant to support, not replace, the comprehensive care your healthcare provider offers.

Stay Informed to Protect Yourself and Your Baby

Not all C-sections can be avoided, but many can, if you know what to look for and when to get help. Know your risk, watch for warning signs, and talk to your healthcare provider about any and all concerns you have. Download the BobiHealth app now, start tracking your health today, and protect yourself and your baby throughout your pregnancy journey.

Useful Terms

To explore more definitions of medical terminology that may come up during your care, check out the comprehensive BobiHealth Glossary.

Cesarean section (C-section): a surgery that involves a doctor cutting into a pregnant person’s belly to deliver the baby. Gestational diabetes: occurs when your body does not process sugar the right way during pregnancy. High blood pressure: happens when your blood pushes too hard against the walls of your blood vessels. Placenta: an organ that forms in the womb and provides the baby with oxygen and nutrients. Placenta abruption: occurs when the placenta detaches from the wall of the womb. Placenta previa: occurs when the placenta moves to the bottom of the womb and covers the entry to the birth canal. Preeclampsia: happens when your blood pressure is too high and can lead to dangerous complications. Trimester: three months; used to divide a pregnancy into three parts. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC): when a patient who has had a C-section delivers vaginally in a later pregnancy.