Norman Regional Achieves Record Low C-Section Rate for First-Time Mothers

Norman Regional Health System’s perinatal team is celebrating a major milestone—achieving the lowest rate of NTSV (Nulliparous, Term, Singleton and Vertex) cesarean sections (C-sections) in our health system’s history, at just 23%. This reflects our ongoing commitment to reducing unnecessary C-sections for low-risk, first-time mothers.

Our team is ensuring C-sections are performed when needed, but is also helping more families avoid a costly and more invasive procedure when a safe vaginal birth is possible.

Tonya Faires, BSN, RNC-ONQS, Norman Regional’s Perinatal Centers of Excellence Program Administrator, is proud to share this milestone as the team celebrates the achievement of one of their long-term goals.

“This achievement shows our commitment to quality care of the highest standard and helps us reach our vision of being Oklahoma’s first choice for perinatal care,” Faires said.

What is an NTSV C-Section?

An NTSV C-Section is a type of birthing procedure where patients meet the following criteria for a safe vaginal birth and still elect to have a C-Section:

• Nulliparous: Women who are first-time mothers
• Term: Women who have had a full-term pregnancy
• Singleton: Women only carrying one child
• Vertex: At time of birth, the baby is positioned head down

Women who meet the following criteria and have no other significant medical conditions are considered low-risk for vaginal birth. Birthing hospitals track how many patients meet the NTSV criteria, and among those, how many deliver by C-section. This measurement is referred to as the NTSV C-section rate.

In most cases, it is preferred that a woman meeting the criteria for NTSV delivers vaginally, ideally preventing unnecessary risk, excessive cost and other complications.

“When compared to vaginal births, C-sections require a longer hospitalization for the mom and sometimes her baby,” Faires said.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports the current national rate of NTSV C-sections at 26.3%—a number projected to rise if current trends continue. Reducing this rate has been named a key objective in Healthy People 2030, a national initiative aimed to improve the overall health and well-being of Americans by the end of the decade.

When is having a C-Section the Right Call?

There are several medical reasons why a C-section may be necessary. According to the March of Dimes organization, some common factors that may lead to choosing a C-section over a vaginal birth include:

• Complications during pregnancy
• A previous C-section or other uterine surgery
• Infections or other medical conditions
• Chronic health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
• Multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins or triplets)
• Other health concerns that should be discussed with a healthcare provider

Understanding your options and having open conversations with your physician will help determine the safest and most appropriate birth plan for you and your baby.

“Our entire care team is here to support these decisions to ensure a safe and comfortable delivery, recovery and transition home,” Faires said.

How Norman Regional is Making Birth Safer

Norman Regional’s designation as a Perinatal Center of Excellence was driven in part by efforts to lower NTSV rates, including the implementation of TeamBirth—a patient-centered communication process that improves planning and coordination during labor.

Additionally, Faires identified more ways the Norman Regional team has lowered NTSV C-section rates:

• Continued and excessive research on best practices.
• Data sharing to improve awareness of the need for change to the entire care team.
• Education on fetal position and labor positions moms can use to facilitate vaginal delivery.
• Position menus for patients to select options they prefer.
• Diet options for laboring patients to keep their energy levels up.

Norman Regional is proud to recognize the dedication of our perinatal team and their continued commitment to creating personalized, data-based and forward-thinking care.

If you or someone you know is expecting, our team of obstetricians, pediatricians, OB/GYNs and experienced neonatal nurses are here to provide compassionate care every step of the way.

To learn more or schedule perinatal services, please call Norman Regional at 405-515-5000.