Unique Date Not a Reason for a C-Section
Fridays date, 11/11/11, is not surprisingly a popular date for special occasions. It is an interesting and unique date to have for a wedding anniversary, but it is, however, not a reason to plan a medically unnecessary C-section.
C-sections pose increased health and safety risks for mother and child and are almost four times as costly as vaginal deliveries. C-sections involve major abdominal surgery, and are associated with higher rates of surgical complications and repeat hospitalizations for the mother. In addition, a newborn delivered by C-Section is more likely to require care in a neonatal intensive care unit.
A pregnancy is considered full term at 39 weeks, said Director of Health Michael Fine, MD. Medically unnecessary C-sections performed before 39 weeks contribute to the public health problem and long-term consequences of premature birth. C-sections should only be performed when they are absolutely, medically necessary.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rhode Islands C-section rate jumped from 17.7% in 1996 to 32.2% in 2007, an increase of 82%. In 2010, the C-section rate was approximately 33.5%. According to March of Dimes data, the cost of a pre-term birth is almost $65,000, compared to the cost of just more than $15,000 for a full-term birth.
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