Unnecessary C-Sections Carry Unncessary Risks

In any other context, doctors are trained to minimize major surgical interventions. Why is it, then, that Caesarian sections are so common when delivering babies in the U.S. today?
To be sure, sometimes C-sections have to be done to avoid birth injuries or other complications. This can be necessary, in certain circumstances, to prevent brachial plexus injuries that can cause cerebral palsy.
Shoulder dystocia is also a legitimate concern.
But many experts believe that C-sections are done far more frequently than they need to be – putting both mother and child at unwarranted risk of harm.
After all, a C-section creates the risk of surgical errors, as well as dangers from hospital-acquired infections.
Even if the C-section goes smoothly, it compromises a woman’s ability to have a successful vaginal birth in the future. Indeed, the percentage of C-sections for subsequent births after a first C-section is about 90 percent.
“There are some situations in which performing a C-section is preferred, but that’s major surgery,” says Dr. Marvin Lipman of Consumer Reports. “In most cases, the safest way, for mother and baby, is to deliver vaginally.”
So how can doctors be persuaded to dial it back, when it comes to overly aggressive use of C-sections?
At the very least, for subsequent births after an initial C-section, doctors should be become more willing to encourage women to try a vaginal birth. In medical lingo, this is called V-BAC. It refers to a vaginal birth after an earlier C-section.
V-BAC may particularly be a viable option for women whose earlier C-section involved a low-transverse incision.