New CDC Report Tracks Trends in Cesarean Births and VBACs during the 1990s For Immediate Release: December 27, 2001 Contact: NCHS/CDC Public
Affairs Trends
in Cesarean Birth and Vaginal Birth After Previous Cesarean, 1991-99.
NVSR Volume 49, No. 13. 15 pp. (PHS) 2002-1120. A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks trends in rates of cesarean delivery and vaginal births after previous cesarean (VBAC) delivery for 1991-99. The report shows that from 1991 to 1996 the cesarean rate declined while the VBAC rate steadily increased. Since 1996, trends have reversed with cesareans now on the rise and the rate of VBACs declining to early 1990 levels. The U.S. cesarean rate increased 6 percent between 1996 and 1999 (with preliminary 2000 data showing another 4 percent increase), after declining 8 percent between 1991 and 1996. Women in all racial and ethnic groups experienced the increase, however, the earlier decline was more pronounced among white non-Hispanic women. The VBAC rate increased 33 percent between 1991 and 1996, then dropped by 17 percent from 1996 to 1999. The dramatic increase in VBAC rates was experienced by women of all ages and for each major race/ethnicity group. Other highlights of the
report show that: The report, "Trends in Cesarean Birth and Vaginal Birth After Previous Cesarean, 1991-99," is based on birth certificates filed in state vital statistics offices and reported to CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics through the National Vital Statistics System. The report examines trends in cesarean and VBAC rates by age, race, ethnicity, and education of mother, medical risk factors, and complications of delivery for the Nation and by State. It provides important information to monitor current patterns and changes in childbirth and delivery in America. The report can be downloaded or viewed without charge from the CDC Website.
This page last reviewed May 04, 2004
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