Cesarean Section Overview

Study Notes

Cesarean section, also known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. This procedure is performed when a vaginal delivery is not possible or safe for the mother or fetus. The first recorded cesarean delivery dates back to 1020 AD.

Frequency and Trends

Historically, the cesarean delivery rate in the United States was 4.5% in 1965, increasing to 5.5% in 1970. By 1986, the rate had risen to 24.1%. In the last few decades, cesarean rates have continued to increase, with predictions that 40% of births would be by cesarean in the year 2000. However, this prediction fell short, with the National Center for Health Statistics reporting a cesarean birth rate of 31.9% in 2016.

The global cesarean section rate increased by 12.4% from 1990 to 2014, with 18.6% of all births occurring by cesarean section. This trend is a concern in both high-income and low-income countries, affecting all geographical regions [1,6,7].

Indications

Cesarean sections are performed for various fetal and maternal indications, including prior cesarean delivery, maternal request, and medical complications such as fetal malpresentation, multiple gestations, and suspected fetal macrosomia.

Risks and Complications

Despite the benefits of cesarean section, it also carries risks for both the mother and the baby, as well as future pregnancies. These risks are higher in settings where women have limited access to comprehensive obstetric and post-surgical care.

Reducing Unnecessary Cesarean Sections

There is a need to optimize the use of cesarean section to improve health outcomes for women and their babies. This can be achieved through evidence-based care and the implementation of guidelines and protocols. Efforts are being made to decrease the rate of primary cesarean deliveries, which in turn will lead to a reduced number of repeat cesarean deliveries.

In conclusion, cesarean section is a crucial surgical procedure that saves lives when medically necessary. However, its increased use in recent decades has led to concerns about its impact on maternal and neonatal health, as well as healthcare costs. Continued research and efforts to optimize the use of cesarean section are essential to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Description

Learn about the surgical procedure of cesarean section, its historical trends, indications, risks, and the importance of optimizing its use for maternal and neonatal health. Explore the frequency of cesarean deliveries and the efforts to reduce unnecessary procedures.