Maternal Health

The U.S. has one of the highest C-section rates in the world with nearly 32% of births delivered through cesarean operation.

The World Health Organization recommends a rate of 10% to 15%.

The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate for any Western nation, which, among other factors, is attributed to the high numbers of cesarean operations.

Many doctors prefer to follow up a C-section with another cesarean for the mother’s second birth. However, a growing number of women in the United States are attempting what is known as a VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, by looking for alternatives to hospital care, like birthing centers or delivering at home with a midwife, in hopes of avoiding another C-section which requires a longer road to recovery.