New high for cesarean rates according to a new study

Published on Today’s website is an article discussing a newly published study which found, in 2009, the cesarean section rate hit an all time high of 34%.  While the article includes a questionable statement–“A C-section is necessary to remove the baby from the uterus….when a prior C-section makes vaginal delivery difficult or dangerous”–it also does a good job pointing out the slippery slope of interventions such as induction and epidural use which can lead to complications during delivery that can lead to cesareans.  The article has a section entitled “Risky Surgery,” in which the fact that cesareans are major surgery, the risks of which should not be downplayed, is discussed, as well as the fact that there is no evidence that outcomes are improved with higher rates of cesarean deliveries.