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Cesarean on request

A cesarean is a surgical birth through the abdomen. This is about whether you would plan one without a medical reason, versus planning a vaginal birth and having one only if it becomes necessary.

Should we ask for a cesarean without a medical reason?

In short: Parents choose between 3 main approaches: Planned vaginal birth; Vaginal unless indicated; Planned cesarean at 39 weeks or later. Evidence: your call. No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide. Best settled: during pregnancy.

Evidence
Your call
Best settled
During pregnancy
Part of
Pregnancy to first birthday

Cesarean on request: what are the options?

Parents usually land on one of these 3 approaches.

  1. 1. Planned vaginal birth

    You plan a vaginal birth.

  2. 2. Vaginal unless indicated

    You plan a vaginal birth and have a cesarean only if it becomes medically needed.

  3. 3. Planned cesarean at 39 weeks or later

    You choose a scheduled cesarean at full term without a medical reason.

Cesarean on request: what does the evidence say?

Your call. No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide.

ACOG: evidence supports neither mode over the other; never before 39 weeks

Sources

What else is worth knowing?

A cesarean is major surgery with a longer recovery, and it can affect future pregnancies. Some people request one for personal reasons such as fear of labor or scheduling. Providers differ in whether they will agree, so it is worth raising early.

Questions to ask each other

  • What are our hopes and fears about a cesarean birth?
  • Would we want to know our provider's views and rates before choosing?
  • What would recovery at home look like and who would help?

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First published 2026-10-03. Last updated 2026-10-05. General information, not medical advice.