Among all countries that are part of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Turkey, followed by Korea, had the highest rate of Caesarean section births (or C-sections) in 2022. At that time, the rate of C-sections in Turkey was roughly 600 per 1,000 live births. Among global regions, Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest percentage of births that were delivered by C-section, while sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest rates of Cesarean section births. Cesarean section costs A Cesarean section is a form of birth where the baby is taken out through a surgical incision in the abdomen rather than a natural vaginal birth. The cost of a Cesarean section delivery varies globally, with the United States having the highest cost globally for Cesarean section deliveries, while Germany the lowest cost among selected countries worldwide. In the United States, C-sections are significantly more expensive than a delivery by vaginal birth. High C-sections rates in the U.S. Over the past 20 years the C-section rate in the U.S. has gradually been increasing with more stable trends in the past few years. It has been reported that many of the C-sections performed in the U.S. are elective and not necessary. Often, the risks of C-sections are greater than the benefits, when performed as an elective procedure. Therefore, the United States has a "healthy people target" for the c-section rate of first time, low-risk mothers. However, less than half of hospitals are meeting the national targets for Cesarean sections performed.

Cesarean rates worldwide continue to increase and are projected to reach 28.5 percent by 2030 from 21.1 percent in 2018. In 2018, the highest rate of c-section was in the Latin America and the Caribbean region at nearly 43 percent. Yet the largest growth is projected for the region of Eastern Asia, where more than half of all childbirth occurs by c-section. As of 2021, this is already the case in four OECD countries.

This statistic depicts the percentage of births that were delivered via cesarean section worldwide in 2000 and 2015, by region. According to the data, Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest rate of cesarean sections in 2015 with 44.3 percent of births being delivered by c-section.

In 2022, the cost of a C-section delivery in a hospital in the United States was 13,601 U.S. dollars, the highest by far compared to other countries in the international report. To illustrate, a C-section in a hospital in Germany cost just 2,419 U.S. dollars. The cost of childbirth vaginally was also highest in the U.S. that year.

BackgroundCaesarean section (CS) rates continue to evoke worldwide concern because of their steady increase, lack of consensus on the appropriate CS rate and the associated additional short- and long-term risks and costs. We present the latest CS rates and trends over the last 24 years.MethodsWe collected nationally-representative data on CS rates between 1990 to 2014 and calculated regional and subregional weighted averages. We conducted a longitudinal analysis calculating differences in CS rates as absolute change and as the average annual rate of increase (AARI).ResultsAccording to the latest data from 150 countries, currently 18.6% of all births occur by CS, ranging from 6% to 27.2% in the least and most developed regions, respectively. Latin America and the Caribbean region has the highest CS rates (40.5%), followed by Northern America (32.3%), Oceania (31.1%), Europe (25%), Asia (19.2%) and Africa (7.3%). Based on the data from 121 countries, the trend analysis showed that between 1990 and 2014, the global average CS rate increased 12.4% (from 6.7% to 19.1%) with an average annual rate of increase of 4.4%. The largest absolute increases occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean (19.4%, from 22.8% to 42.2%), followed by Asia (15.1%, from 4.4% to 19.5%), Oceania (14.1%, from 18.5% to 32.6%), Europe (13.8%, from 11.2% to 25%), Northern America (10%, from 22.3% to 32.3%) and Africa (4.5%, from 2.9% to 7.4%). Asia and Northern America were the regions with the highest and lowest average annual rate of increase (6.4% and 1.6%, respectively).ConclusionThe use of CS worldwide has increased to unprecedented levels although the gap between higher- and lower-resource settings remains. The information presented is essential to inform policy and global and regional strategies aimed at optimizing the use of CS.

Change in caesarean section rates in 121 countries categorised according to the United Nations geographical grouping from 1990 to 2014a.

Among all U.S. states, Nebraska had the highest hospital-based Cesarean section delivery rate as of 2017, with ** percent of births being delivered via Cesarean section. Cesarean section rates were calculated for first-time, low-risk mothers. Nebraska’s Cesarean section rate is significantly higher than the U.S. target. According to recent data, over half of U.S. hospitals have C-section delivery rates higher than the national U.S. targets.

Risks of Cesarean section

A Cesarean section (or C-section) is a surgical procedure for delivering babies in which a baby is delivered by being removed through the abdomen as opposed to being delivered vaginally. Most deaths due to childbirth in the U.S. are preventable. However, women that deliver via C-section are more prone to specific health risks including, infection, excessive bleeding, and damage to the bladder, kidneys and other internal organs. While cost may not directly affect health, the risk of financial troubles based on medical expenditures is also an issue with C-section deliveries. The U.S. has some of the highest costs globally for C-section deliveries.

High U.S. Cesarean section rates

Among all OECD countries the United States raked among the top five for highest rates of cesarean section deliveries. The number of C-sections performed in the U.S. has dramatically increased since 1997. Among mothers in the U.S., older women have higher rates of C-section delivery.

Caesarean section rates in 150 countries categorised according to United Nations geographical grouping in 2014a.

Cesarean Section Pack Market Outlook

The global Cesarean Section Pack market size was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 2.1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. The increasing number of cesarean deliveries and the rising awareness regarding hygiene and infection control in surgical procedures are key growth factors driving this market. The rising demand for cesarean section packs is influenced by several factors including technological advancements and the growing emphasis on patient safety.

The increasing prevalence of cesarean deliveries is a significant driver of the market. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the rate of cesarean section births has increased globally, with some countries experiencing rates higher than 30% of all births. This upsurge is attributed to various factors, including the rise in maternal age, multiple births due to fertility treatments, and the increased prevalence of medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension in pregnant women. As these conditions often necessitate cesarean deliveries, the demand for cesarean section packs is anticipated to grow in tandem.

Technological advancements in the medical field are also a substantial growth factor for the Cesarean Section Pack market. Innovations in medical materials and sterilization techniques have led to the development of more efficient and safer cesarean section packs. For instance, disposable cesarean section packs have become more prevalent due to their convenience and reduced risk of infection. Additionally, ongoing research and development in the healthcare sector are continuously improving the quality and functionality of these packs, making them an indispensable part of modern surgical procedures.

Another crucial factor contributing to market growth is the rising awareness and implementation of stringent infection control measures in healthcare facilities. Hospitals and surgical centers are increasingly adopting sterile disposable products to minimize the risk of post-operative infections. The heightened awareness of the potential complications associated with surgical site infections has propelled the demand for high-quality cesarean section packs. This trend is further supported by regulatory guidelines and policies advocating for the use of sterile and disposable surgical instruments.

In recent years, the concept of Practitioner-Specified Procedure Packs has gained traction in the healthcare industry. These packs are tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of medical practitioners, allowing for a more customized approach to surgical procedures. By incorporating practitioner input, these procedure packs can enhance surgical efficiency and patient outcomes. The flexibility offered by Practitioner-Specified Procedure Packs enables healthcare providers to select the most appropriate components for each procedure, ensuring that all necessary tools and materials are readily available. This customization not only improves workflow but also reduces the risk of errors and enhances the overall quality of care. As the demand for personalized medical solutions continues to grow, the adoption of Practitioner-Specified Procedure Packs is expected to rise, offering significant benefits to both healthcare providers and patients.

Regionally, the Cesarean Section Pack market is expected to exhibit significant growth across various regions, with Asia Pacific and North America leading the charge. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness robust growth due to the large population base, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rising awareness about maternal health. North America, on the other hand, is driven by the high rate of cesarean deliveries and advanced healthcare infrastructure. Europe is also expected to show considerable growth, supported by the strong presence of key market players and well-established healthcare systems. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America regions are likely to experience moderate growth due to improving healthcare facilities and increasing awareness.

Product Type Analysis

The Cesarean Section Pack market is segmented by product type into Disposable Cesarean Section Pack and Reusable Cesarean Section Pack. Disposable cesarean section packs are increasingly preferred due to their single-use nature, which significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination and infection. These packs are design

Cesarean sections (CS) rates using the Robson´s classification in Peru, 2000–2010.

BackgroundCaesarean section rates are increasing worldwide, and since the 2000s, several researchers have investigated women’s demand for caesarean sections.QuestionThe aim of this article was to review and summarise published studies investigating caesarean section demand and to describe the methodologies, outcomes, country characteristics and country income levels in these studies.MethodsThis is a systematic review of studies published between 2000 and 2017 in French and English that quantitatively measured women’s demand for caesarean sections. We carried out a systematic search using the Medline database in PubMed.FindingsThe search strategy identified 390 studies, 41 of which met the final inclusion criteria, representing a total sample of 3 774 458 women. We identified two different study designs, i.e., cross-sectional studies and prospective cohort studies, that are commonly used to measure social demand for caesarean sections. Two different types of outcomes were reported, i.e., the preferences of pregnant or non-pregnant women regarding the method of childbirth in the future and caesarean delivery following maternal request. No study measured demand for caesarean section during the childbirth process. All included studies were conducted in middle- (n = 24) and high-income countries (n = 17), and no study performed in a low-income country was found.DiscussionMeasuring caesarean section demand is challenging, and the structural violence leading to demand for caesarean section during childbirth while in the labour ward remains invisible. In addition, the caesarean section demand in low-income countries remains unclear due to the lack of studies conducted in these countries.ConclusionWe recommend conducting prospective cohort studies to describe the social construction of caesarean section demand. We also recommend conducting studies in low-income countries because demand for caesarean sections in these countries is rarely investigated.

Delivery care: caesarian section (2017), including country breakdown

Definitions:
Percentage of births delivered by Caesarean section.
The indicator refers to women who had a live birth in a recent time period, generally two years for MICS and five years for DHS.

The total average hospital bill for U.S. births varies depending on the kind of birth. In 2013, the average cost of an uncomplicated vaginal birth was around 32 thousand U.S. dollars. For a standard Cesarean section birth the cost was near 51 thousand U.S. dollars at that time. Cesarean sections are performed via the surgical removal of an infant from the mother.

Birth costs

The United States has one of the highest birthing costs in the world. The average hospital and physician costs for a normal vaginal delivery in the United States may cost twice as much as a normal vaginal birth in Australia. Cesarean sections costs are more expensive than vaginal births, but the cost difference is similar. The United States, followed by Switzerland, had the highest costs among select countries for C-section deliveries.

Birth rates and mother's age

The birth rate in the United States has decreased dramatically in recent history. Some evidence suggests that birth rates may be impacted by family income. According to recent data, lower incomes have higher birth rates in the United States. Birth rates were highest among women aged 20 to 34 years. However, there is an increasing tendency of mothers being older at the time of their first birth.

This statistic displays the share of childbirths that were delivered by caesarean section in Europe in 2015, by country. In this year, almost ** percent of births in Cyprus were delivered by caesarean section, the highest rate in Europe.

BackgroundObesity is an important public health problem and rates have reached epidemic proportions in many countries. Studies have explored the association between infants delivered by caesarean section and their later life risk of obesity, in many countries outside Africa. As a result of the increasing caesarean section and obesity rates in South Africa, we investigated the association in this country.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of data that were collected from a prospective South African birth cohort (Birth to Twenty Plus), established in 1990. A total of 889 young adults aged 21–24 years were included in the analysis. Poisson regression models were fitted to assess the association between mode of delivery and early adulthood obesity.ResultsOf the 889 young adults, 106 (11.9%) were obese while 72 (8.1%) were delivered by caesarean section; of which 14 (19.4%) were obese. Caesarean section delivery was significantly associated with obesity in young adults after adjusting for potential confounders like young adults’ sex and birth weight, mothers’ parity, and education (incidence rate ratio 1.64, 95% CI 1.01–2.68, p = 0.045).ConclusionThe association of caesarean section with early adulthood obesity should be interpreted with caution because data on certain key confounding factors such as mothers’ pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational diabetes were not available. Further research from Africa, with larger sample sizes and databases with useful linking of maternal and infant data, should be conducted.

Trends in selected fetal and newborn outcomes by Robson group.

C-section by mothers age, including country and regional breakdown

Definition:
Percentage of births delivered by Caesarean section

Adjusted OR for stillbirths, low birth weight (LBW) and maternal mortality (MM) by Robson Group.

BackgroundCaesarean sections (CS) rates continue to increase worldwide without a clear understanding of the main drivers and consequences. The lack of a standardized internationally-accepted classification system to monitor and compare CS rates is one of the barriers to a better understanding of this trend. The Robson's 10-group classification is based on simple obstetrical parameters (parity, previous CS, gestational age, onset of labour, fetal presentation and number of fetuses) and does not involve the indication for CS. This classification has become very popular over the last years in many countries. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the experience of users on the implementation of this classification and proposed adaptations.MethodsFour electronic databases were searched. A three-step thematic synthesis approach and a qualitative metasummary method were used.Results232 unique reports were identified, 97 were selected for full-text evaluation and 73 were included. These publications reported on the use of Robson's classification in over 33 million women from 31 countries. According to users, the main strengths of the classification are its simplicity, robustness, reliability and flexibility. However, missing data, misclassification of women and lack of definition or consensus on core variables of the classification are challenges. To improve the classification for local use and to decrease heterogeneity within groups, several subdivisions in each of the 10 groups have been proposed. Group 5 (women with previous CS) received the largest number of suggestions.ConclusionsThe use of the Robson classification is increasing rapidly and spontaneously worldwide. Despite some limitations, this classification is easy to implement and interpret. Several suggested modifications could be useful to help facilities and countries as they work towards its implementation.

This dataset present summary statistics (numbers of vaginal deliveries and number of caesarean sections according to the Ten groups) that were collected daily from January 2020 to March 2024 in the 32 hospitals participating in the Quali-Dec project. The data were extracted from the hospitals’ birth registers and medical records by a trained health care provider and controlled quarterly by the country data manager. Monthly summary statistics were collected and managed by using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at the Karolinska Institute and controlled at a monthly frequency by the principal data manager for pending data and duplicated records.