What does the latest press release from the CDC indicate about our current US cesarean rate? What can be done to change it for the future before it's too late?
One of the latest findings released from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on November 21, 2006 is the national cesarean rate for 2005. A complete copy of the press release can be found here.
With the latest findings, it is actually no surprise that the Cesarean rate was approximately 30% in the year 2005. There is a possibility that 2006 rates might even be higher and continue to climb unless we take action.
I have a series of articles that address this issue on this site, including Why are Cesareans Increasing? It might be easy to sit back and blame the medical system for all of these unnecessary cesareans, but it is not that simple. Consumers may in fact be driving some of this increase by not seeking more VBAC's and alternatives to elective cesareans for breech babies for example.
What can be done? One article, entitled Reducing the cesarean rate, highlights ways that parents can reduce their chances of having a cesarean. Many experts, including the World Health Organization, believe that a reasonable cesarean rate is somewhere between 10-15%. There is reason to believe then, that nearly 2/3 of all cesareans may in fact be unnecessary.
A brand new article discusses one proven way to reduce the cesarean rate; choosing a place of birth which is outside the hospital setting. Other ways include using a doula and agreeing to a labor induction only for a medical reason.
Is this a disturbing trend or inevitable given our focus on technology? Tell us what you think about the rising cesarean rate on the discussion forum.
Brenda
