Starting at the Very Beginning: Preventing the First Cesarean Delivery

Two obstetric professional societies collaborate in recommendations aimed at lowering primary cesarean delivery rates.

Sponsoring Organizations: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine

Target Population: Obstetric care providers

Background and Objective

Rising rates of primary and repeat cesarean deliveries have sharpened the focus on policies to prevent the first cesarean delivery. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine have released a consensus statement with guidelines for the safe prevention of the first cesarean. The leading indications for primary cesarean are labor dystocia, abnormal fetal heart rate tracings, malpresentation, and multiple gestations (NEJM JW Womens Health Jul 22 2013).

Key Recommendations

Labor Dystocia

A prolonged latent phase …

Reviewing Author

Allison Bryant, MD, MPH

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Board of Directors)