10 Evidence Based Ways to Lower Your Risk of Cesarean - A guide for Chicago Suburb Moms
Cesarean birth is often one of the top outcomes expecting parents hope to avoid. And while some cesareans are necessary, wise, and life-saving, there are evidence-based steps that may help reduce the chance of an avoidable cesarean.
The following tips are based on research summarized by Evidence Based Birth in their episode, Top Ten Evidence-Based Strategies for Lowering the Risk of Cesarean. Here is a breakdown based on the tips they give:
1. Choose a provider with a low cesarean rate
Your provider matters. Cesarean rates can vary widely between providers, even in the same hospital. Ask your individual provider about their cesarean rate, induction rate, and how long they are comfortable allowing labor and pushing to continue when mom and baby are doing well. Feel free to reach out for recommendations on local providers with low cesarean rates!
2. Choose a birth location with a low cesarean rate
Hospitals, birth centers, and home birth midwives have different cultures, practices, and policies. If a low-intervention birth is important to you, choose a birth location that supports movement, patience in labor, doulas, and shared decision-making.
3. Choose a provider who supports your goals
You want a provider who does more than tolerate your birth preferences — you want one who respects them. If you leave appointments feeling dismissed or rushed, that is a red flag.
4. Avoid routine late-pregnancy ultrasounds without a medical reason
Ultrasounds are valuable when medically indicated. But routine late-pregnancy ultrasounds, especially for size estimates, can sometimes lead to unnecessary concern about a “big baby” and may increase intervention. Ask, “What are we looking for, and how will this change my care?”
5. Hire a doula for continuous labor support
Continuous labor support is one of the strongest evidence-based tools for improving birth outcomes. Research shows doula support is associated with a 39% relative reduction in cesarean risk. Doulas provide comfort measures, positioning, emotional reassurance, partner support, and help with decision-making.
6. Wait to go to the hospital until active labor, unless you need support sooner
For many low-risk labors, arriving in active labor may reduce early interventions. Of course, go sooner if you need medical care, want pain relief, have concerning symptoms, or on your providers advise.
7. Use upright positions during labor
Standing, swaying, walking, sitting on a birth ball, kneeling, or leaning forward can help labor work with gravity and support baby’s descent.
8. Keep moving, even with an epidural
Movement does not have to stop with an epidural — it just looks different. Your doula can help with side-lying, peanut ball positions, CUB birth stool use, throne position, and regular rotation in bed.
9. Ask about intermittent fetal monitoring
Continuous monitoring is common, but some low-risk labors may be eligible for intermittent listening instead. Ask your provider, “Am I a candidate for intermittent monitoring during labor?”
10. If baby is breech, ask about an ECV
If baby is breech near the end of pregnancy, ask whether you are a candidate for an external cephalic version, a procedure where a provider attempts to turn baby head-down before scheduling a cesarean.
The Bottom Line
You can’t control every part of birth, and needing a cesarean is never a failure. Sometimes babies truly call the shots! But there are some evidence-based options that may lower your risk of an avoidable cesarean.
At The Elgin Doula, we help families throughout the Chicago suburbs prepare for informed, supported births — whatever direction your birth takes.
