Dramatic Decrease in VBACs and Increase in C-Sections in US
Thursday, April 16, 2009 21:13Statistics from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project show that fewer than 10% of women who had a previous c-section achieved a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) in 2006. Between 1997 and 2006, there was a 40% rise in repeat c-sections, which we already know come with increased risk of childbirth complications*, particularly if a woman desires more than two children.
In addition to the declining VBAC rate, the overall rate of cesarian sections in the US climbed from 21% in 1997 to 31.6% in 2006. Interestingly, the c-section rate for uninsured women was significantly lower, at 25%, versus 34% for insured births.
At first glance, I was pleased to see a significant decrease in forceps deliveries and episotomies, but further reading correlates these decreases at least partially with the decrease in vaginal births.
Overall, I guess I wasn’t really surprised by these numbers, but I was definitely disappointed. Sky rocketing (or non-existent) medical malpractice insurance rates have forced many obstetricians out of business. Among the remainder, it seems to be increasingly difficult to find a doctor or hospital that is willing to take on the specific risks that a VBAC entails (i.e. uterine rupture). That, of course, is sad, because the utlimate risks are much higher when a woman undergoes multiple c-sections in the process of completing her family.
*Complications of repeat c-sections include increasing risk of uterine rupture, adhesions, infection, hysterectomy, postpartum hemorrhage, and placental abnormalities.
Similar Posts:
- Women Denied Health Insurance for Prior C-Sections
- Women Choose Elective C-Sections Due to Fear
- Sickening – Rising Premature Birth Rate Linked to C-Sections
- Breech Babies – Medical Monday
doctor house says:
April 17th, 2009 at 10:54 am
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Doctor House
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james burney says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:10 am
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Skin Spots
Elizabeth says:
April 28th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Many VBAC’s are successful for women especially if there are several years between c-sections, however with the risks a VBAC presents it’s understandable that doctors and hospitals don’t want to take on the risk, but it sure makes it difficult for a woman who wants a VBAC.