Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, August 22, 2008

1/4 of Washington state births by C-section

Associated Press

 OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The state Health Department says a quarter of the births in Washington are by C-section and some of those operations are not necessary.

A new report says about 14 percent of the Caesarean sections each year could be prevented in favor of natural births in low-risk women.

The report says the number of Caesarean sections in low-risk births increased 60 percent from 1997 to 2005 in Washington.

C-sections may be recommended when the mother is at risk because of obesity, diabetes or other disease. But the state health officer, Dr. Maxine Hayes, says a woman having a C-section face a higher risk of infection and infertility. The newborn faces a higher risk of breathing problems.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA