Have C-Sections become common practice?
June 19, 2007
In the past year several friends of ours have produced children. Starting last July, kids seemed to be popping out all around our circle of friends and family. The latest edition was born at the end of May, and with her birth, I started to wonder about how frequently c-sections are used these days.
Counting myself, I personally know six women who have given birth in the past year. I realize that this is a very small sample, and it is in no way random. However, out of the six women who gave birth, only two did it naturally. Everyone else had a c-section. The reasons for c-sections were all different, and only two women went to the same hospital - some were north of me, some south, one in Pittsburgh, PA and one in Nebraska (both the out of state babies were born by c-section).
Although my personal experience can’t be extrapolated to the rest of the world, it seems like 4 c-sections in my small circle of friends is a pretty high anomaly. I’m curious about any other mothers who read this blog, and what their birthing experiences were like - and those of their friends in recent years.
In google searching this topic, I uncovered an interesting blog post from Health Mongers. The statistics they list show that c-sections in the US reached a record high of 29.1% in 2004, though they don’t say what that number increased from. Their theories about the reasons for more c-sections are interesting, though I’m not sure that I agree with them, I guess I’ll have to do more of my own research. It’s an interesting topic though.
HI Sara,
I have to say, that out of my 5 girlfriends who gave birth to a total of 12 babies in the past 10 years, only 1 had a c-section. And that was in 2004. I guess I just thought they were lucky enough to have smooth labors (word?). I am due with my first baby this October and am always wondering if I will end up having a c-section. I’m still on the fence regarding how I feel about it. I know I am not someone who freaks out at the idea of it, but I know I wouldn’t be thrilled to do it either.
Interesting topic!
-Laura
Hi Sara -
I have to say that I’m seeing a whole lot more of scheduled inductions than c-sections (myself included). Many of my local friends have multiple children and in discussing concerns with the Dr have come to scheduling delivery as the choice. I know there are lots out there that don’t like it - not natural, body’s not ready… and yeah, I see their point… but not having *any* family closer than 2 hours and two boys that need someone to stay with them before we can get to the hospital.. it was what worked for us!
I know folks that have had c’s - but many fewer in recent years. :o) for what that’s worth.
Sara,
I had wondered the same thing. All of my friends seemed to be having c-sections as well (including me). I had also read that 30% of women have them which threw off my theory that they were more common than not but that % is still high. I know in Washington (where I live) there have been many docs who either leave the state or stop delivering babies because of the high cost of liability insurance. I think this also contributes to the influx of c-sections because the doctors are so nervous about a lawsuit they cut you open at the first sign of trouble. Myself? I sometimes wish that I had pressed the doctor to wait me out a little longer to see if I could have had Emily naturally but in the end, whatever means produced a happy healthy child is fine with me.
Mary
Sara
I followed the links and it says that in ‘03 it was at 27.5 but in 1996 it was only 20.7%
up almost 10% in 10 years seems awfully high. By that extrapolation by 2020 almost half of our babies will be cut out.
from the >a href=”http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/15/AR2005111500945.html”>washington post article, “For decades, C-sections were done in only a small fraction of births. In 1970, the national rate was 5 percent. Then it rose, surpassing 20 percent by the mid-1980s.”
I think it is because we have become a Fear culture and as such it is easier to undergo a surgery, even if it is major, than leave it up to mother nature where so many things can go wrong with no one to control it.
that said, whatever is the safest way to get the baby out, thats the way I think we should go with
and seriously I cant even do a freaking LINK
UGH
That is interesting.. Statistics can be skewed though… So, I’m dying to know.. WHERE IN NEBRASKA?? I’m from there.. Grew up here. It’s a long shot.. But it would be odd if I knew them… (I’ve been reading your blog forever.)
I do think tha they are more common, because like “aunt jennie” said, we are a fear culture.. Women are afraid of childbirth, Doctors are afraid of something going wrong.. we are afraid of everything.. If we can schedule the birth, that takes part of it away.. And Dr’s pretty much go to C Sections if there are any complications anymore… Not that its wrong.. Just the way it is..
C-section rates really are that high. Where I live (a med sized city in Canada), the c/s rate is 40% at our local hospital.
Healthy moms and babies are important. I think a lot of women (myself included) let themselves get talked into a c/s because they don’t realize they can question their doctor and ask for alternative courses of action. Many doctors are afraid of being sued - I once read a quote from an OB that said something to the effect that “no one ever got sued for doing a c/s - only for not doing one.”
There’s a great organization called ICAN - International Cesarean Awareness Network - (http://www.ican-online.org/) where women can get real info about c/s and risks. There is also an ICAN yahoo group. It’s full of great information - the women on the group are very evidence-based and often have the latest medical studies at their finger tips.
Kelly
hi Sara - I know C-section rates are high in Atlanta (where I live), probably cuz people like to PLAN their delivery date.
Personally, I planned to do a natural childbirth with my little guy this past April - however after 12 hours of labor, the baby was in a wrong position & wasn’t going to get out, so I needed an emergency c-section also, so now I’m part of the statistic. At first I was upset at having to have the surgery, but I have come to terms with it….
http://www.babycenter.com/204_nearly-1-in-3-u-s-births-are-c-sections-says-report_5228585.bc?pe=2U7wbbl&scid=momsbaby:20080218:4620:101326:12617