# Cesarean on request

**Should we ask for a cesarean without a medical reason?**

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.

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.

- Area: Pregnancy, birth and arrival
- Evidence: Your call
- Best settled: During pregnancy
- First published: 2026-10-03
- Last updated: 2026-10-05
- Page: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/topics/pregnancy-birth-and-arrival--cesarean-on-request

## Cesarean on request: what are the options?

1. **Planned vaginal birth**: You plan a vaginal birth.
2. **Vaginal unless indicated**: You plan a vaginal birth and have a cesarean only if it becomes medically needed.
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:

- [ACOG](https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/01/cesarean-delivery-on-maternal-request)

## 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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General information, not medical advice. Two parents can each answer this and compare: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/explore?cat=pregnancy-birth-and-arrival&topic=pregnancy-birth-and-arrival--cesarean-on-request