The Increase in the Cesarean Birth Rate

Abstract

THE threefold increase in the cesarean birth* rate that has occurred in the United States during the last 10 years has been a source of concern to both obstetricians and the general public.^{1 2 3} This article describes the factors underlying the change in reasons for operative delivery and several areas in which cesarean birth rates may be altered by changes in obstetrical practice.Until the 20th century, the prohibitively high rates of maternal mortality after cesarean birth limited its use as a surgical procedure. However, as technical advances in the procedure itself became available, along with techniques of antisepsis, maternal mortality . . .