1 in 3 women in the United States have a c-section when giving birth; but are all of these c-sections necessary?
There are many reasons why a pregnant woman may have a c-section including, but not limited to: having a c-section before, failed progression in labor, multiples, abnormal fetal heart rate, or by maternal request. However, these are not the only reasons; Aaron B. Caughey, M.D., Ph.D., suggests that:
” While some maternal demographics have changed and maternal preferences may account for a small proportion of cesarean deliveries, it appears that much of the rise in cesarean rates may be due to cultural pressures and norms. Some of these pressures are due to the medical-legal considerations that ob/gyns face. Physicians in one study reported that they were more likely to perform a cesarean in a number of scenarios if they had been sued recently or if they thought about being sued frequently. n another study, tort reform was associated with cesarean deliveries; in particular, overall cesarean rates were lower and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rates higher in states that had caps on noneconomic damage awards.”
Thus, it is important that you speak to your OB/GYN to find out all of the information that you can on c-sections and make the best decision for your health and the baby’s health.
For more information, read Dr. Caughey, M.D., Ph.D.’s article https://contemporaryobgyn.modernmedicine.com/contemporary-obgyn/news/cesarean-epidemic-are-we-too-quick-cut?cfcache=true here.