herhealth Birth plans should consider all options for delivery
By DEBBIE KEEL For the woman pregnant with her first baby,
there are hundreds of questions to ask her physician and her hospital. An important one is “what is the C-Section rate at the hospital where I will deliver?” It’s an important question simply because over the last several years, that rate has risen across the country to all time highs. Recent data from the National Center for Healthcare Statistics (NCHS) show a national cesarean section rate of 24 percent; while the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology estimates one of every three babies delivered is delivered surgically by Cesarean section.
In Georgia, studies indicate a 34 percent C-section rate, and rising. Possible reasons for the increasing C-section rate include delayed childbearing, the rising obesity rate in expectant mothers and an increase in multiple birth deliveries. Recent analyses also found that longer labor times and an increase in induced labors are also factors.
“Cesarean sections are a very important tool as
metropolitan Atlanta area at 20.5%. “While we do not completely understand why C-Section rate vary, I do think that the low C-Section rate at North Fulton speaks volumes to the nursing staff and the attitude toward vaginal deliveries,” says Dr. Frederick. “We still encourage women to VBAC (Vaginal Birth after C-Section) and I think that is one reason why our C-Section rate is low.” An ongoing conversation about your birth plan is important to begin during your first visit with your provider. However, it is just a plan. If the plan changes and calls for a C-Section, it is important that you trust your provider.
far as delivering a baby,” says Dr. Hughan Frederick, chief of Women’s Services at North Fulton Hospital. “It is one of those ways that we use to essentially deflect risk from the fetus onto the mother. With all that being said, most obstetricians and most expectant moms would like to deliver vaginally if it’s safe for mother and child. But now for the good news. According to
Georgia Hospital Price Check, from April 2008 through March 2009, North Fulton Hospital in Roswell had the lowest C-section rate of any hospital in the
For more information about North Fulton
Hospital’s Women’s Services, particularly birthing options, water births and midwife services, call 770- 751-2666.
Debbie Keel is the CEO of North Fulton Hospital.
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northsidewoman.com | april2012
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