Number of births by age group and delivery method in the US, 2021 (Thousands of Births)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
30 Nov 2023
Studies have outlined that for most women, vaginal birth is considered safer and healthier, reducing the risk of complications compared to cesarean section births. Mothers who deliver babies through vaginal births typically recover faster and spend less compared to C-sections. Despite the global rise in C-section birth rates, particularly in first-time pregnancies, there have been more natural births across all age groups. However, the difference in the number of women having C-sections compared to natural births becomes less pronounced in older mothers. This is likely a result of the increased risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. Studies have also illustrated that whether or not women have previously given birth affects their choice of delivery, with first-time mothers significantly more likely to opt for a C-section.
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