Many Cesarean section surgeries may be unnecessary
A c-section is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States, and the surgery now accounts for nearly one in three births. However, Consumer Reports says that in many cases a c-section is unnecessary.
Posted — UpdatedThere are some situations in which a C-section is preferred, especially during a high-risk delivery, but the procedure is a major surgery. In most cases, the safest method for both mother and child is to deliver vaginally.
About 90 percent of women who deliver their first child via C-section also deliver subsequent children by C-section, a factor contributing to the increase of the surgery.
"That doesn't have to happen," Dr. Marvin Lipman, of Consumer Reports, said. "Many women who've had a C-section, especially with a low-transverse incision, are able to have a vaginal birth after C-section. That's known as a V-BAC."
However, some mothers wishing to have a V-BAC delivery could have trouble finding a doctor willing to try one.
"Some doctors don't have the necessary support from their hospital or their malpractice insurance won't cover the procedure. If your doctor is willing to try a V-BAC, make sure that he or she has all the necessary information from a previous C-section," Lipman said.
Consumer Reports also said that in addition to a rise in the number of C-sections, there has also been a dramatic rise in the number of scheduled early deliveries. They recommend in uncomplicated pregnancies to let nature take its course in deciding when the baby should be born.
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