Women's attitudes towards elective c-sections
Despite the risk posed to mother and baby, early births -- both by elective c-section and induction -- are on the rise.
But many women aren't completely aware of the potential harms of giving birth too soon -- especially when there is no medical need, according to a new study by United Health Care on women's attitudes toward the safety of early births.
Even though the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends scheduled deliveries take place after a woman's pregnancy has reached 39 weeks (of a 40 week pregnancy) a little more than half of women surveyed think it's safe to deliver before 37 weeks.
Despite the warnings, rates of births between 34 and 36 weeks are increasing, the report says. The risks are real: studies show babies born that early are more likely to have medical problems.
The authors suggest that doctors are planning births to fit their schedules or that of their patients -- overlooking safety concerns. Patients' misconceptions of the risks might be fueling their decision to request a c-section, the authors said.
With more than 1.3 million c-sections performed every year in the U.S -- there's growing concern about this trend. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found between 1999 and 2002, nearly 36 percent of elective c-sections were done before 39 weeks. As this piece explains, repeat elective c-sections done before 39 weeks, doubles a baby's risk of respiratory problems.
Attitudes about the issue vary and can become heated on internet chat rooms, where moms-to-be pointedly argue the pros and cons of elective c-sections.
It's an ethical dilemma for doctors and patients, says ACOG. There are many occasions where c-sections are necessary and can save the life of a woman and her baby. But when not a medical necessity, women, providers and hospitals need to be better educated on the risks, the authors write.
Comments
What about c-sections at full term? Can't this reduce the chance of cerebal palsy?
Posted by: Jack | December 17, 2009 10:12 AM
As an OB nurse I know describes them: TPTP.
Too Posh To Push
Posted by: MrRational | December 17, 2009 11:16 AM
As someone who had a c-section for medical reasons at week 38, I think it's important to consider the connection between elective and "non"-elective procedures. It is obvious to me that there are more and more inductions and c-sections, but many are because the medical professionals are insisting upon them more often. I don't know if it is for liability reasons, or from confidence in the ability to care for earlier and earlier born infants, but it seems doctors themselves are far less likely to wait out some minor issues and instead jump right to the convenience of concluding the pregnancy as soon as possible from when a mother is admitted. I'm very disappointed in the conclusion of my pregnancy and often wonder if it was absolutely necessary. But I think the rise of non-elective c-sections is probably having an effect on the number of women who have the impression that it is safe and logical. We need to get the number of medical inductions and c-sections under control before we can change the behavior of those who think they're too posh to push.
Posted by: Debra | December 17, 2009 2:22 PM