Cesarean births have dropped in recent years in the United States, reveals a CDC report. The report says that first-time surgical deliveries have declined by 2 percent between 2009 and 2012.
The results of the CDC report are based on data collected from across 29 states between 2009 and 2012. Primary surgical delivery rates dropped from 22.1 percent to 21.5 percent during the study period. However, the changes were primarily observed in 16 states out of 29.
Some of the states showed dramatic declines while for others the rates were stagnant. In states like Delaware, North Dakota, Oregon, New York State and New York City, primary C-section deliveries decreased up to five percent between 2009 and 2012. Utah accounted for the highest drop rate in cesarean deliveries, up to 15 percent.
C-section can lead to infection, excessive blood loss and blood clots in pregnant women. It can be dangerous for the newborns too, causing injuries and breathing problems.
C-section deliveries for 2012 across 19 U.S. states average 21.9 percent. This rate matches the records for 2006.
According to health officials, the number of surgical deliveries; have been soaring every year but started declining after 2009 and somewhat stabilized.
At least the rate stopped going up," said Dr. Mitchell Maiman, chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City, reports medical express. "After decades of climbing, there seems to be a hold to it. But we could do a lot better."
According to the surveyors, the most probable reasons for the drop in surgical deliveries might be that less people are opting for cesarean deliveries considering the associated risk factors and high expenses or due to a significant reduction in first time surgical deliveries.
"Because primary cesareans are starting to decline, the overall cesarean rate will be impacted because there is only a 10 percent chance that a woman who has had a cesarean is going to have a vaginal birth afterward," said Michelle Osterman, co-author of the study. "The overall rate has stabilized at about 33 percent of all births in the United States."
Also the decision to go for C-section deliveries varies with stages of pregnancy. The decision changes to not opt for a surgical delivery primarily occurs after 37 weeks with the biggest drop rate noticed in the 38th week, according to the survey.
