C-Sections Now Performed in 30% of All Births

April 6th, 2006

More American women than ever are giving birth by C-section delivery, now accounting for 30 % of all births in the U.S. In the past decade, the rate of C-section births has doubled, despite the Center for Disease Control’s goal to lower the rate to 15 % among first-time mothers. Only about one in 10 of these surgical deliveries is estimated to be “elective.”

C-sections are major abdominal surgeries, once performed as a last resort during a medical emergency. Yet, their numbers continue to climb for a variety of reasons.

Today, some women want the convenience of scheduling their delivery day, while others choose to avoid labor pains. A doctor may recommend a C-section due to fear of malpractice lawsuits stemming from vaginal deliveries. Obstetricians are more likely to operate if a baby is in the breech position or if the mother has had a previous C-section.  

Experts do not agree on the amount of risk inherent in extracting a baby through incisions in the mother’s abdominal wall and uterus. Associated potential risks include bleeding and infection, as well as problems with anesthesia. Hospital stays are also longer following a Cesarean delivery.

The more C-sections a woman has, the more her chance of hemorrhaging during delivery or requiring a hysterectomy after the birth. Serious complications are usually rare and primarily occur during emergency surgery, says Dr. Gary Hankins, chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Obstetrics Practice.

He points out that vaginal childbirth can also pose risks such as tears and pelvic damage, problems which generally are temporary.

Following a 1996 British study, in which incontinence and sexual problems were thought to be more common after vaginal birth, more women began to opt for a C-section delivery.

Recent evidence contradicts those earlier findings. Myths about childbirth are still influencing women’s choices. It is important to replace them with strong scientific evidence, according to a presenter at a recent National Institutes of Health conference.

Newsweek magazine; April 3, 2006, page 45.

Entry Filed under: PREGNANCY & BIRTH,Pregnancy & Birth