TYPES OF DELIVERIES: CESAREAN DELIVERY

Sometimes, a surgery called a cesarean may be required to deliver a baby. Other names for this surgery are a cesarean section, a c-section, cesarean birth or cesarean delivery. For ease of reading, this guide uses the terms cesarean or cesarean delivery. The doctor makes a cut in the mother’s belly and uterus to remove the baby.

The mother’s medical history or developing medical condition may be the reason the doctor recommends surgery. Sometimes a woman begins labor with plans for vaginal delivery, but it turns into a surgery because the mother or baby is at some risk.

For many years, there has been discussion on whether these surgeries are overused. The graph below shows that the rate of cesarean delivery has been increasing in Virginia and the U.S. and both have marked their “11th consecutive year of increase and another record high.” (pg. 3, National Vital Statistics Report) The World Health Organization recommends that cesarean rates in developed countries like the U.S. should be closer to 10-15 percent.

Cesarean Rates in Virginia and the United States, 1996-2007

Source: CDC/National Center for Health Statistics & Virginia Health Information

A cesarean birth is major surgery. The recovery time for the mother is longer than for a vaginal birth. Although not common, there is also a chance of infection and blood clots following the surgery.

What can you do? Learn more from your doctor and others about the medical reasons for cesarean delivery. Know your medical history and share it with your health care team. More from WEBMD on Cesarean Delivery.

What’s the right Cesarean rate? VHI does not know. But VHI worked with researchers to factor the medical conditions that often result in a cesarean delivery. So the rates in this report let you compare doctors and hospitals fairly. You can also ask your doctor for information on their current rates.

Some women want a vaginal birth after having an earlier cesarean delivery. This is called a VBAC – for vaginal birth after cesarean. If you are interested in a VBAC, you and your doctor may agree on a trial of labor. Or your doctor may recommend that you schedule a repeat cesarean – another surgery based on the fact that an earlier baby was delivered that way. That decision can depend on your medical history, the services at the hospital and other considerations. Talk about your options with your doctor or certified nurse midwife.

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