Risk of Birth Complications May Increase with Early Repeat Caesarean Deliveries
A new study sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development shows that scheduling a Caesarean birth for convenience, rather than necessity, can increase the chances the baby will be born with what could be serious birth complications. The report comes as health officials express alarm at how the number of Caesarean births taking place in the US is at a record high.
Over 1/3rd of babies in the US are now born via C-section. Why this increase has occurred is unclear. One reason may be that more women are having babies at a later age, which can increase the chances of birth complications. While the American College of Obstetricians suggests that mothers do not undergo elective repeat C-sections sooner than her 39th week of pregnancy, elective C-sections do take place earlier in a woman's pregnancy.
There are many valid medical reasons to deliver a baby by Caesarean. However, once a woman has delivered her baby surgically, rather than vaginally, she is more likely to undergo the same procedure in the future. Reasons why a woman might elect to deliver by Caesarean include, excitement to see the baby as soon as possible, fitting into a preferred obstetrician’s schedule, and convenience.
Data for the study came from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Among the findings:
• 24,077 women had a repeat C-section between 1999 and 2002.
• 13,258 of these Caesarean births were elective. This means there was no medical reason for why the mother couldn’t deliver her baby vaginally.
• 36% of the deliveries took place earlier than 39 weeks.
• Over 15% of the babies who were delivered at 37 weeks experienced complications, including low blood sugar, breathing problems, respiratory distress, and medical conditions requiring intensive care.
More about the study can be found in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Early Repeat C-Sections Increase Risks, Study Finds, Washington Post, January 8, 2009
Caesarean problems increase, News-Leader.com, January 26, 2009
Related Web Resources:
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
New England Journal of Medicine
Birthing Errors
If you believe your son or daughter sustained a birth complication because you received the wrong medical advice or because mistakes were made during delivery, you may be entitled to birthing malpractice compensation.
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