Too Many C-Sections

Many people think that the US is doing too many Cesarean sections; for many reasons including malpractice concerns, convenience, and financial gain.

But is this reality? What is the appropriate rate?

When looking at smaller numbers we realize that every delivery is different. However, in a recent study, researchers looked at cesarean delivery rates and morbidity and mortality data from 194 World Health Organization member nations from 2005 to 2012. They found that rates of about 19% were associated with the lowest maternal and neonatal mortality. This is counter to the 15% rate many have suggested as ideal.

So how are we doing? Very poorly. In 2013, the CDC reports that 32.3% of all births were by C-section. In Puerto Rico it was 49%; Louisiana, Florida and New Jersey were close at 38%. The best states were Utah, Idaho, Hawaii and Alaska at rates of 22-25%.

In Canada, the rate was 17% in 1995, but has now climbed to 27%.

So yes, we are doing too many C-sections. If you can. check out your doctors record and willingness to allow labor to proceed when the mother and child are not in danger. Not only are many C-section unnecessary, but they are actually harmful to the mother and child!

JAMA, December 1, 2015, Vol 314, No. 21

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2473490