When you prepare to give birth in a New Mexico hospital, you may picture yourself having a traditional delivery and leaving soon after with a happy, healthy baby. Not all birth experiences look like this, though. For this reason, it may benefit you to also prepare for the possibility that you may have to undergo a Cesarean section.
According to USA Today, the World Health Organization says that, ideally, only about 10% to 15% of U.S. births should involve C-sections. As of 2018, though, more than 31% of all American women deliver their babies via this method. This is concerning because there is an 80% higher risk of complications associated with a C-section than there is with a traditional vaginal delivery.
Risks associated with C-section deliveries
Any surgery presents certain risks, and C-sections are no exception. As a mom delivering a baby via a C-section, you face an elevated risk of experiencing serious complications in future births. You also face risks relating to infection, hemorrhage or blood clots. You may, too, experience complications relating to the use of anesthesia during your procedure.
Efforts to reduce C-section deliveries
Many mothers and safety advocates have questioned whether some hospitals perform C-sections that are unnecessary. The costs associated with C-section deliveries are much higher than those associated with vaginal deliveries. This raises questions about some facilities prioritizing patients over profits.
The Joint Commission, a health care accrediting authority, plans to start publicizing C-section delivery rates of hospitals to see if this might cut back on the number of unnecessary procedures performed.
C-sections present risks for all delivering mothers. However, you face an even higher risk of complications after a C-section if you are over 35.
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