How Common are C-Sections?

In the United States (U.S.), 31% of all births were Cesarean deliveries in 2006, and the rate has remained steady. The rate of C-sections rose 53% between 1996 and 2007. This may be due to factors such as an increase in the number of older women having babies, and doctors being less willing to deliver a breeched baby vaginally than they were years ago.

More delivery facts:

• It is more common for a woman carrying multiple babies to have a C-section.


• In 2006, 2.9 million vaginal deliveries and 1.3 million C-sections were performed.


• The U.S. states with the highest C-section rates include New Jersey, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and West Virginia.


• C-section deliveries can cost twice as much as vaginal deliveries.