Cesarean Rate Edges Slightly Downward Again

In the just released 2013 Preliminary birth data, the cesarean rate fell slightly from 32.8% of all birth to 32.7% of all births. There was also a drop in the rate of preterm birth for the seventh straight year. The number of births to older mothers increased, but there was a decline in births to women in their 20s. About 44% of births are to unmarried women, also slightly down.

So what does this mean for the average pregnant woman? Not much in terms of everyday life. I think it's important to look at the statistics to get an idea of the trends in pregnancy and birth. It helps you guide your questions and educate yourself. What do you do with the data?

If you want to see the rates broken down by state - head on over to the The Unnecesarean.

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