While there are clear life-saving indications for Cesarean section (C-section), rates of this procedure have seen a continued rise without a concomitant improvement in maternal or neonatal outcomes. There is some evidence that outcomes may actually be worse for low-risk C-sections versus vaginal delivery. However, this is not necessarily common knowledge for healthcare providers, and therefore, their patients. Measures to safely reduce the C-section rate target management of labour arrest and specific indications for progression to C-section. In the active phase of the first stage of labour, C-section should be considered only in cases of failure to progress after 4 hours of adequate uterine contraction, or 6 hours of inadequate contraction. In the second stage of labour, expectant management of 3 hours of pushing in nulliparous women and 2 hours in multiparous women is safe and appropriate. Furthermore, manual rotation and operative vaginal delivery in the second stage are reasonable alternatives to C-section. Expectant management is also appropriate for certain non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracings. In post-dates pregnancies, induction of labour reduces both rates of C-section and neonatal mortality. Finally, evidence supports the use of external cephalic version in breech presentation as well as a more conservative approach to suspected macrosomia and multiple pregnancy. Taken together, these measures target the most common indications for progression to C-section and can allow us to safely reduce the C-section rate. Educating patients and physicians on the risks of the procedure and reasonable alternatives can improve outcomes for mothers and neonates.
Reduction of maternal and neonatal harm through prevention of the primary Cesarean section