Common Reasons You May Need a C-Section

C-sections are desired by some women, while others hope for vaginal deliveries. But while not always planned, C-sections are sometimes a necessity for the health of you or your new addition. Here’s what usually puts a C-section on the table, so you’re not caught off guard.

See our obstetrics and gynecology specialists at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery in Spring Valley, New York, for a personalized childbirth plan.

Here are some reasons a C-section (delivery of your baby through an incision in the abdominal wall) may be a good idea:

1. Placenta complications

Your OB/GYN specialist may suggest a C-section if you have complications related to your placenta. Examples include placenta previa (low-lying placenta covering your cervix) or placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterine lining).

2. Breech positioning

If your baby is in a breech position, their feet are downward-facing instead of their head. This could cause complications during a vaginal delivery.

3. Fetal distress

If your baby is in distress because of a lack of oxygen, an emergency C-section may be necessary. An abnormal fetal heart rate can indicate distress.

4. Cord prolapse

While rare, cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord slips through your cervix and comes out of the vagina before your baby is born. This can reduce blood flow to your baby.

5. Failure to progress during labor

If your labor fails to progress because your cervix doesn’t dilate entirely, your baby isn’t positioned well for delivery, or labor has slowed or stopped, your OB/GYN specialist may suggest a cesarean section.

6. Previous C-section

If you’ve had a previous C-section, you may be a candidate for a scheduled C-section due to a higher risk of uterine rupture. However, Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery offers vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) if it’s safe and you prefer this method of delivery.

7. Large fetal size

When your baby is big, or their head is too large to fit through your pelvis, a C-section is a safer option.

8. Pre-existing conditions

If you have gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (high blood pressure), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or other pre-existing conditions that boost the risk of complications, your provider may suggest a C-section. They might also recommend a C-section if your baby has any birth defects.

9. Active genital herpes

If you have an active genital herpes outbreak, a C-section helps prevent your baby from being exposed to the virus when passing through the birth canal.

10. Multiple babies

Twins could be delivered vaginally, depending on their positioning, size, and gestational age. However, multiples of three or more are less likely to be delivered safely via a vaginal birth.

Chat with your Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery provider to determine which type of birthing plan best suits you and your new addition based on your health history, preferences, and any safety concerns. An emergency C-section is an option if vaginal labor doesn’t go as planned.

Find out if you might need a C-section by contacting Holistic & OB/GYN & Midwifery by phone or booking an appointment online.

You Might Also Enjoy...

From Pregnancy to Postpartum: How Doula Services Transform Your Birth Experience

Pregnancy comes with a million questions, and just as many opinions. One clear thing is that you don’t have to do it alone. From pregnancy to postpartum, doulas are your behind-the-scenes support system. Here’s how.

Who Needs a Pap Smear and How Often

January is cervical cancer awareness month, a reminder to discuss one of the most effective prevention tools: Pap smears. Confusion surrounds who actually needs Pap smears, when to start, and how often to schedule them. Here’s what to know.

The Midwife Difference: How Personalized Prenatal Care Transforms Your Pregnancy Experience

In today’s fast-paced medical world, it’s easy for pregnant women to feel like they’re moving through a system rather than receiving deeply personal care. quick appointments, rushed ultrasounds, and limited face-to-face time.

Why More Women Are Choosing Midwifery Care: The New Standard of Personalized, Elevated Pregnancy Sup

They want time. They want education. They want emotional support. They want evidence-based guidance from someone who sees pregnancy as more than appointments and ultrasounds. They want midwifery care.

Doula or Midwife providing labor support

“Top 10 Reasons Every First-Time Mother Should Hire a Doula”

While family and friends can offer emotional support, nothing compares to having a professional doula by your side — someone trained to guide you through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with expertise, compassion, and calm.

Why Every Expecting Mother Deserves a Doula: The Support You Didn’t Know You Needed

Pregnancy: one of the most extraordinary, transformational seasons of a woman’s life — but it can also feel overwhelming, navigating appointments, preparing for labor, and planning life with a newborn, mom's to be crave more support, guidance, reassurance.