[August09baby]

Interesting new report on C-Section rates and birth related hospitalizations from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb71.pdf

In summary...

In 2006, 31.6 percent of childbirths were by C-section- a 51 percent increase from 1997, when 21.0 percent were C-section deliveries.

C-sections were, overall, the most commonly performed operating room procedure in U.S. hospitals.

The increase in C-section delivery was coupled with a decrease in the rate of
VBACs, which fell to less than 10 percent of all deliveries in 2006.

C-sections accounted for 34 percent of all privately insured births, but only 25 percent of uninsured births.

• 
  
  And on a positive note...
  
  There was a 37 percent decrease in the use of forceps and a 55 percent decrease in episiotomies from 1997 to 2006.

 

[bremen]

thank you so much for this link! i am actually writing a paper on increse in c-sections, so this link is perfect for me.
thanks!

 

[Maxine45]

Pretty interesting, especially the stat relating to uninsured patients.
jeez louise...

 

[writteninkursive]

...probably because you don't need forceps and episiotomies during c-sections, huh?

The c-section rate is beyond ridiculous in America. Read 'Pushed: The Painful Truth about Childbirth and Maternity Care' by Jennifer Block if you want more information.

It just disgusts me.

 

[jimblejamble]

: The thing that makes me so mad is doctors who tell women that they won't be able to give birth so they "need" a C-section.

 

[annekh23]

Quote:

Originally Posted by writteninkursive ...probably because you don't need forceps and episiotomies during c-sections, huh?

I haven't seen anything written in the context of the US, but a while back I saw some articles in the UK press about concern over the use of forceps being a skill that is being lost. Apparently it's much harder to teach forceps compared to c-section as it's so much about feel.

There was definitely a time when forceps were overused, now it seems like some of the decrease in rate is due to extra c-sections and not necessarily a positive thing.