C-Section Births at an All-Time High in the U.S.
The rate of C-sections in the U.S. are at an all-time high, according to a new study reported in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, led by Dr. Jun Zhang of the National Institutes of Health.
The rate of C-section deliveries has been steadily increasing in the US, jumping from about 1 in 5 births in 1996 to almost 1 in 3 births in 2008.
The researchers made some discoveries which could explain the increase in the rate of C-sections:
- The procedures were a lot more likely in older mothers (over 35) than younger mothers, and there has been an increase in delayed childbearing over the years.
- Women who had C-sections for their first birth were having them again for their next deliveries.
- Doctors were switching women over from vaginal deliveries to c-sections earlier than recommended during labor (termed "clinical impatience").
- The rising obesity rate is also a factor since obese women had higher rates of C-section than non-obese women.
- Increased maternal requests for C-sections could also play a factor.
Of course, C-section is necessary in certain cases, like when the child exhibits signs of a medical condition or is positioned to be born feet-first.
But, for mothers who do not medically need to deliver via C-section, having this procedure could put babies at higher risk for breathing problems and mothers at higher risk for excessive bleeding and infection during the procedure and for future pregnancy complications. Additionally, c-sections put mothers at risk for bowel or bladder injury or for the need for a hysterectomy. And, on top of that, c-sections cost about $5000 more than an average vaginal birth.
According to the research, 1 in 3 first-time moms delivered by c-section.
Public health experts are trying to bring the number of c-sections down because of concern for the both the baby's and mother's health.
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