In childbirth, when to begin pushing does not affect C-section rates

(Washington University in St. Louis) Obstetricians have differing opinions about when women should begin pushing during labor and whether the timing of pushing increases the likelihood of a cesarean section. Many obstetricians recommend that a woman begin pushing as soon the cervix is fully dilated, while others advise waiting until she feels the urge to push. Washington University School of Medicine led a multicenter study that found the timing of pushing has no effect on whether women deliver vaginally or by C-section.
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news