The researchers, in this study, compared obstetrical factors in 65 pregnant women who died following delivery between 1996 and 2000 and 10,244 control subjects who safely delivered in 1998. The analysis found that women who delivered by c-section were 3.6-times more likely to die than those who delivered vaginally. Medical malpractice, Anesthesia complications, puerperal infection, and venous thromboembolism were all factors into the increased mortality rate.

C-section deliveries are also known as cesarean section deliveries. In a c-section delivery an incision is made in the mother’s stomach and uterus. The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 1 in 3 babies in the United States is delivered by cesarean section. C-section deliveries are most often performed when the mother or the baby encounter serious problems before or during labor and delivery. 

However, some health care experts believe that many of the c-sections deliveries performed today are medically unnecessary. They argue that a c-section delivery is major surgery and should be done only when the health of the mother or baby is at serious risk. In recent years many expecting mothers have opted for “elective” c-section deliveries. Elective c-sections have become a controversial medical topic.

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 2nd, 2006 at 8:53 pm and is filed under Health Concerns.