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The cesarean catastrophe.

Judith A Lothian1

  • 1JUDITH LOTHIAN is a childbirth educator in Brooklyn, New York, and a member of the Lamaze International Board of Directors. She is also an associate professor in the College of Nursing at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey.

The Journal of Perinatal Education
|February 27, 2007
PubMed
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The US cesarean rate is at a record high. This article discusses cesarean risks and strategies to support normal birth, aiming to reduce the cesarean rate.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Maternal Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The cesarean delivery rate in the United States has reached an unprecedented 29.1% of all births.
  • Current obstetric practices are characterized by an "intervention-intensive" approach to labor and birth.
  • There is a concerning trend of decreasing vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rates and a significant rise in primary cesarean deliveries, including those by "patient-choice."

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the inherent risks associated with cesarean deliveries.
  • To analyze the factors contributing to the rising cesarean rate, such as "intervention-intensive" care and "patient-choice" cesareans.
  • To propose strategies for promoting, protecting, and supporting normal birth to potentially lower cesarean rates.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • This is a column discussing existing trends and strategies.
  • Analysis of current obstetric climate and cesarean delivery statistics.
  • Review of approaches to enhance women's confidence in normal birth.

Main Results:

  • Cesarean rates are at an all-time high in the US.
  • The context includes "intervention-intensive" labor, forced cesareans, declining VBAC rates, and increasing primary cesareans.
  • Strategies focusing on empowering women and supporting physiological birth are suggested.

Conclusions:

  • The high cesarean rate necessitates a critical examination of current practices.
  • Promoting normal birth and increasing women's confidence are key strategies to mitigate the rising cesarean rate.
  • A shift towards supporting physiological birth is crucial for maternal and infant well-being.