U. S. C-Section Rate is Climbing
There’s a lot of buzz about how the C-Section rate is climbing in the U.S.
It’s been something we’ve known about for awhile but the rate has actually gone from 27% to 34% in the U.S. between 2002 and 2009.
If you haven’t read the report yet, you can find it here:
http://www.healthgrades.com/health-news/ArticleDetail.aspx?id=654968
Of 19 U.S. States polled, the states reporting the highest rates were Florida and New Jersey, and the Lowest rates were in Utah.
Why Are The C-Section Rates Climbing?
There are many reasons suggested why the C-section rates are climbing, things like, convenience, age, health risk factors, fear of malpractice and even silly things like the notion that having a C-section might preserve your figure.
The good news is that despite the higher C-Section rates, more women are actually considering VBAC’s (Vaginal birth after C-Section). Even doctors are giving more VBAC support and guidelines are loosening. So I’m hoping that with respect to repeat C-Sections we may just see the C-Section rates dropping.
But for women, especially first time moms, the numbers may continue to rise however, which is why women need to better understand c-sections why they are performed and the c-section risks, very important.
Understanding what can lead to a C-Section enables you to look for alternatives in avoiding a C-Section. Sometimes there isn’t an alternative, but if there is I think it’s good for you to know what that might be.
For example, inducing labor frequently results in a C-Section, however most women, especially first time moms, don’t always know that, so if their doctor wants to induce, a woman may go along with it not understanding that they’ll probably end up in a C-Section.
I’m not saying that you should not listen to your doctor, not at all, but if your doctor suggests inducing for instance, you should question why he suggests it and ask if another option is possible.
Because each woman is different and we all have varying medical needs, sometimes there isn’t another option, but at least you won’t just going along with something that possibly could have been avoided.
That was one of my main objectives with writing the Worry Free C-Section. I want women to have in front of them the reasons C-Sections and other C-section related procedures occur so they can, with the help of their doctor, consider the alternatives. But it’s hard to discuss alternatives if you don’t really know what they are or understand them, right?
Basically, if you don’t know why your doctor is doing something, always ask. Get a clear idea of what his objectives and reasons are for doing something so you can consider all the alternatives, not just what your doctor has in mind.
Sometimes it’s not what people tell us, it’s what they don’t tell us.
For more the C-Section procedure, risks and recovery, The Worry Free C-Section is an excellent resource for advice, personal tips information on all aspects of having a C-Section.
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