C-Sections On The Rise and Ways to Prepare for Natural Delivery

Caesarean sections have been on the rise over the course of the past 30 years. According to the AMA, 7% of births were C-sections back in 1990. In 2023, the number of births that were C-sections was 32.3%. That’s a huge increase. There are a number of reasons why the rates have increased so drastically. Many mothers often request C-sections due to fears, anxieties, or misconceptions around a vaginal delivery. Physicians often suggest this procedure because it provides more convenience and provides them better opportunities to serve more mothers when C-sections can be scheduled ahead of time. But one of the most common reasons that often is not addressed is the need to perform C-sections due to interventions taken leading up to labor and delivery that force emergency C-sections when they may not be wanted.

But before we dive into that, C-sections can be life-saving procedures. Not every Caesarean is bad. If an emergent situation arises that compromises the life of baby or mom, physicians have an oath to save both at all costs. If too much stress is put on mom during labor or baby is in an unfavorable position, C-sections may be the only option for a safe and effective delivery. But with every surgery, it does pose great risks. Every C-section increases the risk of maternal mortality due to hemorrhage, infection, or other post-operative complications. Every baby has an increase in manifestation of asthma, allergies, and type 1 diabetes due to failure to pass through the vaginal canal. When the baby does not descend through the birth canal, it is not exposed to important bacteria, microbiota, and flora that helps develop the newborn’s immune system. Primitive reflexes that the baby is innately born with that integrate into the brain to perform developmental milestones are not turned on when baby does not descend through the birth canal. God’s innate design for birth was very intentional-and it should only be disrupted when absolutely necessary.

So what medical interventions increase the likelihood of C-sections? Studies suggest that 39-43% of inductions result in emergency C-sections. The most common induction technique is Pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin needed to initiate the contraction cycle. Normal initiation of labor begins when mom’s oxytocin levels reach a certain threshold, signaling to baby that delivery is imminent. Baby then releases a hormone that communicates with mom, creating an in-sync contraction of the uterus, as baby slides down into the birth canal. Because pitocin is a synthetic form of the hormone, baby does not recognize the signal mom is trying to communicate, and actually makes labor more difficult, as the contractions become more of a tug-of-war sensation, rather than a systematic smooth dance. Physicians often increase the dosage of pitocin when contractions stall and labor becomes more intense, which worsens the tug-of-war happening inside of mom. This is often when baby may start to have heart decels, blood pressure bottoms out, decrease in blood flow, or other complications to mom. At this point, physicians have no other option than to rush mom into emergency surgery to save baby. 

So what can we do to decrease the likelihood of Caesarean sections? The biggest tool is to prepare mom for labor. It is essential to choose a birth team that can advocate, support, encourage, educate, and that mom and dad can trust. Preparing the body for labor and delivery in the forms of breath work and prenatal exercises are important as well. Spinning Babies is a great resource for optimal birth positions! And don’t forget about mindset! This is essential for smooth deliveries. Finally, nervous system balance in the form of regular chiropractic care can ensure optimal position for baby allowing a smoother labor and delivery. Having more knowledge allows for better decision making and opportunities to experience birth the way the parents want to.

Wishing you all the best,

Dr. Kaytlynn