CDC/National Vital Statistics Report: Cesareans Trending Downward

The US primary cesarean delivery rate from 2006-2012. from the states that implemented the revised birth certificates showed an increase 2006-2009 and then a decrease from 2009-2012.

Significantly, state-specific primary cesarean rates by gestational age also declined.  The US cesarean rate reached an all-time high of 32.9% in 2009, then declined to 32.8% in 2010 and was reported as stable at 32.8% in 2011 and 2012.

Initiatives by ACOG (the American College of Obstetricians/Gynecologists), AWHONN (Association of Womens Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nursing) and March of Dimes in addition to countless childbirth education and doula organizations (including ICEA and Lamaze) educate women and families about the risks and benefits, surgical complications and higher costs of cesarean delivery.  Consumers are key in influencing the maternity care landscape.

To read the full report from the Center for Disease Control/National Vital Statistics, click here.