| 
                    Although a Cesarean section can be a lifesaving technique 
                    for mother and infant, it is a major surgical procedure with 
                    substantial risk 
                    to both parties. Cesarean sections are now performed in nearly 
                    25% of all deliveries in the United States - a dramatic increase 
                    from only 20 years ago.  
 Lack of progress in labor is a predominant reason for Cesarean 
                    delivery in the U.S., accounting for one third of the nearly 
                    one million Cesareans performed annually. Is this number too 
                    high? Yes, according to the American College of Obstetricians 
                    and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) published diagnostic criteria for 
                    abnormal labor patterns and guidelines for proceeding to Cesarean 
                    delivery. In a recent study, ACOG criteria were compared with 
                    actual clinical delivery practices involving 733 women in 
                    California and Iowa from 1993-1994.   A review of medical records and a postpartum telephone survey 
                    were used to gather data on proportion of unplanned Cesareans 
                    performed for lack of progress in labor; cervical dilation 
                    at time of Cesarean; length of second labor stage; and other 
                    variables. Results showed that lack of progress was a dominant 
                    reason for Cesarean delivery, even during the latent phase 
                    of labor or when labor was not prolonged (second stage).
 The authors emphasize that “these practices do not conform 
                    to published diagnostic criteria for lack of progress.” In 
                    other words, too many Cesarean sections! Consult with your 
                    team of health care professionals during pregnancy to ensure 
                    a smooth, safe delivery.  Reference: Gifford DS, Morton SC, Fiske M, et al. Lack of progress in 
                    labor as a reason for cesarean. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 
                    April 2000: Vol. 95, No. 4, pp589-95. For additional information on women's health, go to https://www.chiroweb.com/tyh/women.html 
                      |