Recently on MedWire, a report confirmed what most women and doctors already know*: that cesareans should only be performed when truly medically necessary.
Cesarean section linked to increased risk for maternal death, serious complications25 January 2010Lancet 2010; Advance online publication[...]"Women undergoing operative vaginal delivery had a 2.1-fold increased risk for maternal mortality and morbidity index (at least one of: maternal mortality, admission to intensive care unit [ICU], blood transfusion, hysterectomy, or internal iliac artery ligation) compared with women delivering spontaneously."[...]The researchers conclude: “Cesarean section should be done only when there is a medical indication to improve the outcome for the mother or the baby.”
To read the full article, click here.
*The World Health Organization recommends a c-section rate of 11 to 15%. Acdoring to Virginia Health Information, the current average across Virginia is 22.36% with some hospitals over 30%.
Comments