A cesarean section delivery may be unavoidable in certain situations, especially when there is a real threat to the wellbeing of the baby or mother or both. In such cases, it is a blessing to have the option of such a procedure. But in other cases, when it may not be necessary or can be avoided, you may want to consider the possibility to pass up this invasive surgery.

Like any other medical procedure where you are being cut open, a cesarean section is a major surgery. This means there is a recovery time, about 2 to 4 times longer than the recovery time needed after a vaginal birth. There is also the risk of infection around the incision area, as well as the possibility that future births will result in another cesarean section.

Elective cesarean section is becoming more accepted these days. Some expecting mothers get impatient and want to meet their baby rather than wait. Others want to choose their child birth date, or want to avoid the pains of labor and maybe have a tummy tuck along the way.

Nevertheless, there are many women who prefer to give birth vaginally. If you are one of them, start with speaking to your healthcare provider and write a birth plan to better your chances of having things go your way. Make sure your OBGYN is on board with your plans. Also check the cesarean section rate at the hospital you intend to deliver at. If your OBGYN or the hospital do not have the right answers for you, considering switching to another provider.

You can help avoid undergoing a cesarean by taking care of yourself and listening to your provider. Towards the end of the pregnancy, your doctor will monitor the size of the baby and may alert you to change your diet if there is a concern that your baby will be too large to be delivered vaginally. Do not take this advice lightly.

Listen to your body and take care of yourself throughout your pregnancy. Eat healthy, exercise, sleep well and stay safe. If you are at a higher risk for a cesarean or your baby’s position does not allow for a vaginal birth, talk to your OBGYN about what you can do to help change the situation.