Caesareans Rates on the Rise in US

In 1970, only 5.5% of babies were delivered by caesarean section. Today, the figure is much closer to 30%, and in some metropolitan centers the rate is even higher. This surgery has without a doubt saved the lives of thousands of mothers and babies who were in great distress. I am glad that this option exists, but I really hope to avoid it when I have my own baby unless it is absolutely necessary. Because it has become so common, many times we forget that this is major surgery that can present risks to mothers and babies when used as an equal alternative to a more natural birth instead of the option of last resort. 

The increase in caesarean rates has been linked to a variety of factors, from the rise in the use of fetal monitoring devices, to an increase in all births subsequent to a caesarean remaining caesareans. There are lots of factors, but doctors and experts agree that the rates are too high.

Yesterday, I read an article linking these higher rates to maternal obesity. Women with a BMI of 30 or greater are not only at an increased risk for complications during birth, but also for maternal death and stillbirths. I had no idea that obestiy complicated pregnancy and birth in these ways, and found the article really shocking. All women should be aware of this so that they at least have the necessary information to make changes to their diets and lifestyles before becoming pregnant. The following link will take you to the full article:

www.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/health/06obese.html