Summary
A national study, borne out locally, suggests that many women may be undergoing Caesarean sections unnecessarily, subjecting themselves to the potential dangers of the surgery, while in some cases being entirely unaware of the risks. , Women are choosing Caesarean sections rather than natural childbirth in record numbers - up from 20.7 percent in 1996 to 29.1 percent in 2004 in the U.S, according to a study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. The surgery has increased by 38 percent since 1997, when about one-fifth of all babies were delivered this way. Now, more than one in four babies is delivered by Caesarean section. "We've seen the same trend locally as nationally," said Dr. Hellen Rodriguez, medical director for perinatal services at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland. "It's increasing here just like across the nation."
Local experts agree that many of the Caesarean sections being performed are unnecessary at best and dangerous at worst.See the full content of this document
Extract
Rate of C-Sections Continues Upward Trend
They say that while there are legitimate reasons for having the surgery, rather than a vaginal birth, too often other factors influence th...
See the full content of this document
Sponsored links
