Are C-Sections Overused?

The rise in cesarean-section deliveries in recent years has been characterized by some as a key indication of the overmedicalization of childbirth. While the procedure undoubtedly saves lives and leads to better health outcomes for mothers and infants who face problems during pregnancy and labor, many experts say the procedure is being performed too often, and in many cases for nonmedical reasons, putting healthy women and babies at undue risk of complications of major surgery.


The rate of C-sections has reached more than 31% in the U.S., a historical high, according to 2007 data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The reasons for the increase are many and have been widely discussed: the rising rate of multiple births, more obesity in pregnant women, the older age of women giving birth. In fact, C-sections have become so common that many women may have an inflated sense of safety about them. "For the most part, moms and babies go through the process healthy and come out healthy, so maybe there's this sense that we're invincible," says Dr. Caroline Signore of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development.


More: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2007754,00.html

hmmm. honestly in today's context, whatever option that encourages women in cities to have children are good. sounds extremist, but having the c-section option might take the fear of giving birth off some women.

I have had 3 c-sections and are envious of all the moms who had their babies naturally. There is nothing natural about having babies via a major surgery. Women who are afraid of having their babies naturally have no idea what it is like to have a baby via c-section. It is terrifying getting prepped for surgery. And the recovery stage is no fun at all. While there is minimal recovery needed for those those who give birth naturally, us c-sections are bed ridden for the day, are on major pain killers, walk around like an old lady for days afterwards, etc. I feel women should not be given the choice to have a c-section unless there is a medical need for it.

I dont think there's any doubt that the c-section is overused in many countries, not least Hong Kong, and this has coincided with a culture of fear about a normal labour and delivery. Whilst some of the reasons for the increase are patient related (lower levels of fitness, higher levels of obesity, older mothers) many are more to do with the medical system. C-sections are more profitable and more convenient for obstetricians and hospitals. The more women an Obs can schedule in for an elective c-section, the more predictable his/her schedule is. Similarly, private maternity hospitals can take more patients if there is more certainty about when those patients will present (An elective c-section will turn up at the hour specified, a natural birth could turn up any day within a month or more). At the same time, greater degrees of intervention in vaginal births (inductions etc) can also lead to increases in the rate of c-sections. Drug free birth is getting so rare that many midwives have little experience in supporting women who wish to do this.


There's a very good film (presented by Rikki Lake but try not to let that put you off) called "The Business of Being Born". Whilst it is obviously on a bit of an evangelical mission, it makes interesting viewing and does make you question exactly in who's interests your recommended C-section is.