In the United States today, nearly 1 in 3 babies—about 32% of all births—are delivered by cesarean section (C-section), according to the CDC. While C-sections can be lifesaving in emergencies, research from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that only 10–15% of births truly require surgical intervention for the safety of the mother or baby.

This means hundreds of thousands of U.S. women undergo major abdominal surgery each year when it isn’t medically necessary. The result? Increased risks for both mother and baby—and one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries.

As a licensed midwife and maternal health advocate, my mission is to educate, empower, and support families with evidence-based care—so you can reduce your risk of unnecessary interventions and have a safer, healthier birth experience.

C-Section Rates in the U.S

Compared to other developed nations, the U.S. has much higher C-section rates but worse outcomes for mothers and babies.

Key takeaway: Countries that embrace midwifery-led care, reduce unnecessary inductions, and support informed decision-making consistently achieve better maternal and neonatal outcomes—with much lower surgical birth rates.

The Risks of an Unnecessary C-Section

While C-sections save lives when truly needed, they carry higher risks when performed without medical necessity. These include:

Infection and postpartum hemorrhage
Longer hospital stays and slower recovery times
Increased complications in future pregnancies (placenta accreta, uterine rupture)
Higher rates of neonatal breathing problems—especially if done before 39 weeks

For low-risk pregnancies, vaginal birth is typically the safer and healthier option for both parent and baby.

5 Proven Strategies to Reduce Your Risk of a C-Section

1. Choose a Supportive, Low-Intervention Provider

Your choice of provider may be the single most important factor in your birth experience. Midwifery-led care is linked to lower C-section rates, fewer interventions, and better overall outcomes.

Consider building a co-care team: a midwife and OB working together, supported by a doula for continuous emotional and physical guidance. This combination empowers you to feel supported and informed throughout labor.

👉 Pro Tip: Ask potential providers about their personal C-section rates and philosophy around birth interventions.

2. Understand How “Normal” Labor Progresses

Too many women are rushed into interventions due to outdated definitions of labor progression. Here’s what evidence shows:

Active labor begins around 6 cm dilation—not 4 cm
Pushing can safely last up to 3 hours for first-time mothers
“Slow” progress is often normal and does not necessarily mean labor has stalled

When hospitals put women on a rigid timeline, unnecessary C-sections happen. Patience and trust in your body’s rhythm are essential.

3. Avoid Early Elective Inductions

Inducing labor before 41 weeks without medical necessity doubles your chances of a C-section.

The reality? Most first-time moms go into spontaneous labor around 41 weeks + 1–3 days. Unless there’s a medical reason, let your body initiate labor naturally for the best outcomes.

4. Build a Continuous Support Team

Evidence shows that women who have continuous labor support experience better outcomes:

39% less likely to have a C-section
31% less likely to need pain medication
More likely to describe their birth as positive and empowering

A doula or trusted birth partner provides emotional reassurance, physical comfort, and informed advocacy—keeping you focused and confident throughout labor.

5. Educate Yourself & Create a Flexible Birth Plan

Knowledge is power during labor. When you understand your options, you feel confident saying “yes” or “no” to interventions.

Take a comprehensive childbirth education class
Learn about the cascade of interventions (how one medical step often leads to another)
Create a flexible birth plan that communicates your preferences while allowing adaptability if circumstances change

Remember: Informed consent is your right. Feeling empowered to decline unnecessary interventions can make all the difference.

Midwife Allison Tartari discussing birth options with a client, educating her about the risks of unnecessary interventions and how to reduce the chance of a C-section

FAQs: Avoiding a C-Section

Q: What percentage of women actually need a C-section?
A: Only 10–15% of births require a surgical delivery due to complications like placenta previa, fetal distress, or obstructed labor.

Q: Can I try for a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC)?
A: Yes! VBAC has a 60–80% success rate and is safe for most women.

Q: Do I need both a midwife and a doula?
A: Not necessarily—but having continuous support, whether from a doula, midwife, or both, has been proven to reduce C-section rates and increase satisfaction.

Q: Are inductions always risky?
A: Medically necessary inductions can be safe. The risk comes from elective inductions before 39 weeks, which are linked to higher C-section rates.

Q: Why are U.S. C-section rates so much higher than other countries?
A: Many other nations integrate midwifery-led care, avoid unnecessary interventions, and allow natural labor progression—leading to lower rates and better outcomes.

Final Thoughts

C-sections absolutely save lives when needed—but in the U.S., they’re performed far more often than medically necessary. By choosing supportive providers, understanding normal labor, and preparing ahead, you can significantly reduce your risk of unnecessary surgery and improve your chances of a safe, empowering birth.

For easy reference, you can download my full C-Section Prevention Guide to review these strategies anytime.

Get the Support You Deserve

I’m Allison Tartari, LM, CPM—a licensed midwife, maternal health advocate, and birth mentor. I provide virtual and in-person midwifery co-care to help families feel informed, supported, and confident in their birth journeys.

📍 Based in San Diego, CA and serving families nationwide virtually
📧 birthservices@allisontartari.com
📱 Follow my work on Instagram: @midwifeallisontartari

✨ Ready to take control of your birth experience? Schedule your free initial consultation today.