Posted by Dr. Mercola
Why are So Many New Moms Dying?
There are likely a number of contributing factors, but one glaring contributor is most certainly the excessive number of cesarean childbirths.
A woman’s risk of death during delivery is three to five times higher during cesarean than a natural delivery, her risk of hysterectomy four times higher, and her risk of being admitted to intensive care is two times higher.
There are other risks that come with this major surgery as well, including:
- Infection to various organs including the uterus, bladder or kidneys
- Increased blood loss
- Increased risk of complications in future pregnancies
- Decreased bowel function
- Respiratory complications
- Longer hospital stay and recovery time
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Risk of additional surgeries such as hysterectomy or bladder repair
Despite the steep risks, cesarean section is actually the most common operation performed in the United States, and accounts for a whopping 31 percent of births.
This is a rate that even The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists admits is worrisome. It’s also the highest rate ever reported in the United States, and a rate higher than in most other developed countries.
For comparison, according to the World Health Organization, no country is justified in having a cesarean rate greater than 10 percent to 15 percent!
If the cesarean rate were to go down, it’s virtually guaranteed that the maternal death rate would follow…
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