Why Are C-Sections on The Rise?

Cesarean sections are the #1 most performed surgeries in the United States, with 1 in 3 pregnant women giving birth via c-section. That figure is up significantly since 1996, when the rate was 1 in 5.

So why are c-sections on the rise? The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecologists says that c-sections are overused in the United States, but some doctors cite obesity, maternal age and an increase in multiple births for the rise. Others point to the level of intervention today — induced labor and pain medications during labor — for the rise. Still others claim economic incentives and the fear of malpractice lawsuits — especially in the case of VBACs (vaginal births after c-section) — are a cause.  Currently, VBAC’s are prohibited at many hospitals across the country because of the perceived increased risks.

The debate rages on, but a new report being released today by the NIH (National Institute of Health), has determined that VBAC’s are just as safe as normal births. The findings could lead to a decline in c-sections.

“Right now, as a doctor and physician, I’m not allowed to do my job offering women VBAC’s. I’m at one of the thousands of hospitals in the U.S. that forbids the practice. We now have confirmed evidence that VBAC’s are just as safe as having a normal birth. So, I’m being forced to have women undergo another cesarean, a potential harmful procedure, they don’t have to have. It’s unethical to me. We take an oath as physicians to do no harm and clearly we’re causing harm to women by subjecting women to harmful procedure because we have no choice. This report may help give us and women that option again,” says Dr. Tami Michele, an obstetrician and board member for the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services.