| Abstrakt: |
The cesarean rate has reached an all-time high at 29.1% of all births in the United States. In this column, the risks inherent in cesareans are discussed within the context of the current climate of 'intervention-intensive' labor and birth, forced cesareans, the precipitate decrease in vaginal births after cesarean, and the alarming increase in primary cesarean, including 'patient-choice' cesareans. Strategies to increase women's confidence and to promote, protect, and support normal birth are discussed as ways to decrease the cesarean rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
