If you are looking for the latest, most up-to-date US statistics in childbirth today, the CDC's Division of Vital Statistics has just released the most current information from the year 2006. Here is a look at some of the most fascinating trends in childbirth. If you live in a different country than the United States, how do trends in your area compare?
More Babies are Being Born
As compared to 2005, there was a 3% increase in the number of births that occurred bringing the number of births in 2006 to 4,265,555.
More Teens Give Birth
There was also a 3% increase in the number of babies born to mothers 15-19 years of age. This was a notable change since there had been a 14 year decline in the number of teens giving birth. Since babies born to teens are at higher risk for complications, this is undoubtedly a disturbing trend.
Births to Unmarried Mothers Increased
This comprised of over 38% of all births. There was an overall increase of 7% from 2005 to 2006 in the number of babies born to unmarried mothers.
Fewer Mothers Received Prenatal Care
Statistics showed that higher numbers of mothers began prenatal care as late as the third trimester of pregnancy. In addition, the number of women receiving no prenatal care rose in 2006. This is an alarming trend of fewer mothers receiving prenatal care since we know the importance of getting good prenatal care very early in pregnancy, including regular prenatal visits, eating a healthy diet and taking prenatal vitamins.
Labor Inductions Increased
Statistics showed that 22.5% of mothers had their labors induced, which was twice the number of inductions from 1990. There was an overall increase in the number of labor inductions that take place before the mother is full-term, resulting in a preterm baby.
The Cesarean Rate is Higher
In 2006, the cesarean rate climbed again to 31.1% of all births. The number of primary cesareans (mothers having a cesarean with their first birth) increased. The climbing cesarean rate is a trend that has continued for the last several years and is likely related to the increase in labor inductions, hospitals births and other medical interventions.
The Number of Preterm Births rose in 2006
The current rate of preterm birth is at 12.8% which represents a 20% increase since 1990. Likely there are many factors that play into this statistic including the mother's age, stress level, health during pregnancy and overall health.
The Number of Births attended by Nurse-midwives has Remain Unchanged
A consistent trend in childbirth is that 7.9% of births in the US are attended by nurse-midwives. This number has stayed the same for the last three years. Nearly all of those births (93%) attended by a nurse-midwife occurred at a hospital.
More Mothers Choose Repeat Cesarean instead of VBAC
About 92% of mothers with a previous cesarean chose to have a repeat cesarean, versus about 8.5% of women choosing to have a VBAC after already having a previous cesarean. Childbirth professionals do not agree on the safety versus risk of VBAC, however the message that more women could safely have a VBAC is evidently not getting across to the majority of mothers with a previous cesarean.
Fewer Babies are Delivered by Forceps or Vacuum Extractor
2006 statistics for instrumental births showed the lowest number of births where either a vacuum extractor or forceps were used. The 1990 rate of all instrumental deliveries at 9% was cut in half in 2006 to 4.5% of all births where care providers used forceps or vacuum. This rate could be falling due to the rise in the cesarean rate or because some providers may be more supportive of mothers having a longer second stage of labor (pushing).
What are some trends in childbirth you have noticed in your area? Leave a comment here to let us know.
Brenda Lane - Brenda Lane is a published author, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified birth doula and approved birth doula trainer.
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