Unnecessary cesarean delivery

In general, women who undergo C-sections risk infections of the uterus or around the incision, as well as urinary and gallbladder complications.

In the UK the rate of Caesarean operations increased from 5.3% in 1972 to 13% in 1992. In the USA the percentage of C-sections recently has been rising after a steady decline from 1989 to 1995. About 22% of live births in 1999 were delivered by C-section, a 4% increase from 1998. The rehospitalization rate after C-sections was 80% compared to the 30% of those rehospitalized following an uncomplicated vaginal birth.