I recently heard a news report about placenta accreta which is a very serious, But rare, side effect of having had previous cesarean section surgery and subsequent pregnancies. Placenta accreta occurs when all or part of the placenta attaches abnormally to the myometrium (the muscular layer of the uterine wall).
What struck me was the absence of a discussion on the way to prevent this life-threatening issue: Preventing the first cesarean.
Cesarean sections can be life-saving surgeries when used appropriately, and we are thankful for the knowledge and skills that surgeons have to apply this technology.
However, cesareans should be reserved for when truly medically necessary, as they do raise the risk of health issues for both mothers and babies in subsequent pregnancies.
The world health organization has repeatedly done studies to determine what the Cesarean rate of any given country around the world should be. They determined repeatedly that that level should be 10 to 15%. This means that some countries need to increase their cesarean rates, and other countries like the United States need to cut them in half. It also means that when the cesarean rate goes below 10%, or above 15% more mothers and babies die.
There are ways to increase your odds of preventing that first cesarean section. They include education, like Bradley natural childbirth classes; using a midwife; and using a doula. All of which have been shown to cut your chances of needing a cesarean by 50%. Birthing at home (if you are low risk and have licensed birth attendant present) can cut your chances of needing a cesarean by 85 % or more. But please be aware that there are four things that need to be in place to have a safe home birth: they include the mother’s desire to birth at home; having a licensed/certified/trained birth attendant present; being low risk; and planning on it. Unattended, unplanned home births actually raise your risk of potential harm.
I suggest starting here: https://healthybirth.net/how-to-stay-healthy-and-low-risk-during-pregnancy-labor-and-birth/ Additionally, Researcher and Author Henci Goer has a great article on the subject of preventing cesareans: https://hencigoer.com/how-can-you-avoid-an-avoidable-first-cesarean/
So do your research, find a comprehensive childbirth class, Midwife, and Doula. If you would like more information or references please email Amy directly: ajvhaas@gmail.com
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