|
|
|
|
|
Cesarean Section: Myth versus RealityOut of concern for rising cesarean rates and reduced access to vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), Childbirth Connection carried out a systematic review of several hundred studies that compared harms of cesarean and vaginal birth. The evidence is clear: unless there is a compelling and well-supported reason for cesarean section, vaginal birth is the safest way for women to give birth and babies to be born. (See links below to learn more about review results.) MYTH: The belief that cesarean section is safe.REALITY: Vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies. Although cesarean section is safer now than in the past, it is major abdominal surgery and poses many extra risks for mothers and babies in comparison with vaginal birth.MYTH: The belief that planned ("elective") cesarean is an optimal solution for mothers and babies.REALITY: Although planned cesarean is very convenient for busy hospitals and caregivers, vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies.MYTH: The belief that vaginal birth is harmful for mothers and babies.REALITY: Vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies than cesarean section. Some common overused obstetric practices, such as making a cut to enlarge the vagina (episiotomy) or forceful staff-directed pushing, can harm women and should be avoided.MYTH: The belief that a healthy woman who has a cesarean will avoid incontinence later in lifeREALITY: Current research suggests that this will have no effect on later-life incontinence. Having an unneeded cesarean poses plenty of risks and no clear benefits. Women who wish to avoid or limit incontinence would be wise to take other steps, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding or quitting smoking, avoiding or quitting hormone therapy, and carrying out a rigorous program of pelvic floor muscle exercises ("Kegels").What is important for pregnant women to consider?Women need full and accurate information well before labor about what is at stake in decisions about how to give birth. To learn about more about Childbirth Connection's review, see
"Practice style" (and propensity to use maternity interventions) varies widely among providers and birth settings. Choosing a maternity caregiver and place of birth are two of the most important decisions that will influence the care a woman receives. Childbirth Connection's message to women is:
Most recent page update: 2/9/2006
© 2010 Childbirth Connection. All rights reserved.
Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1918 as Maternity Center Association. Our mission is to improve the quality of maternity care through research, education, advocacy and policy. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families. |
News and Features : Health Professionals
New VBAC Guidlines
ACOG has just issued new Guidlines for VBAC. What changed? What continues? We've Moved!
On July 1, 2010, the Childbirth Connection office moved to 260 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016. All other contact information is unchanged. "2020 Vision" and "Blueprint for Action" Reports Available
Rising Maternal Mortality
Help Transform Maternity Care!  Please join our efforts to make quality maternity care a top national priority. Your support will help make the transformation possible. View 2010 Supporter Roster 
Updated Maternity Care Statistics Available
US Cochrane Center (USCC)/Consumers United for Evidence-based Healthcare (CUE)
New Mothers Speak Out National Report Released The latest report in Childbirth Connection's Listening to Mothers series is now available. Get an eye-opening look at the reality of life as a mother of young children in the United States, based on national surveys conducted by Harris Interactive. Learn more, get the report Read the Wall Street Journal story and listen to the podcast Download Quick Facts (PDF) Why does the national U.S. c-section rate keep going up? Current research points to an optimal cesarean section rate of 5% to 10%, but 1 pregnant woman in 3 is giving birth by major surgery in the United States. Why the surge and is this safe? A new page - and a PDF handout for journalists, policy makers, students and others - answer these questions. Read more about the rising cesarean section rate New Content!
March/April 2009 evidence column is now available.
Features: National Quality Forum endorses consensus perinatal performance measures; systematic reviews on induction of labor, environmental tobacco smoke and fetal health, and HPV infection and cervical neoplasia Get the column Popular Pages
 Comfort in Labor, by Penny Simkin Penny Simkin, the internationally recognized leader in childbirth education and labor support, shares her wisdom with women, including comfort measures, effective positions, and tips for partners and doulas. Download Comfort in Labor (free PDF) 
Every woman has the right to health care before, during, and after pregnancy and childbirth.
|
