In 2023, around **** percent of all live births were delivered by cesarean section in the United States. The rate of c-section in the U.S. has been increasing since 1997 where it was **** percent to a peak of **** percent in 2009. C-section rate has since varied little and stayed around ** percent.

Mississippi leads the nation in cesarean section rates, with 38 percent of all live births delivered via C-section in 2023. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of 32.3 percent. The high prevalence of C-sections raises important questions about maternal health care and medical decision-making in different states. Age and ethnicity influence C-section rates Demographic factors play a crucial role in the likelihood of cesarean deliveries. Maternal age significantly impacts C-section rates, with mothers aged 40 to 54 experiencing a 47.7 percent rate compared to just 18.9 percent for those under 20. Additionally, ethnic disparities persist, with non-Hispanic Black women consistently having higher C-section rates than other groups. The gap between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White women has widened from two percent in 2007 to nearly six percent by 2023. Financial implications of C-sections The cost of cesarean deliveries varies widely depending on insurance status and location. In 2023, the national median cost for an insured, in-network C-section was 16,943 U.S. dollars. However, for uninsured patients or those using out-of-network services, the median charge more than doubled to 37,653 U.S. dollars. New Jersey topped the charts for both insured and uninsured C-section costs, with median values of 26,900 U.S. dollars and 52,500 U.S. dollars respectively.

According to a U.S. hospital survey, the average nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) cesarean section rate was 25.3 percent in 2024*. This is the c-section rate for low-risk first-time mothers, which did not meet the national target of 23.6 percent**. C-sections can be medically necessary, but involve risks such as infection, blood clots, extended recovery, and issues in subsequent pregnancies. The surgery may also impact neonatal health, increasing the chances of a NICU stay due to respiratory issues. Not to mention, c-section births also cost a lot more than vaginal delivery. Even higher is the rate of c-section among all live births in the U.S., standing at 32.3 percent in 2023 (which includes mothers of higher risks such as giving birth to multiples or having hypertension or diabetes).

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.

This statistic depicts large U.S. hospitals with the lowest Cesarean section (C-section) rates among first-time, low-risk mothers in the U.S. as of 2017. According to the data, Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, New York, had a C-section rate for first time, low-risk deliveries of around ***** percent.

The cost of giving birth through cesarean section in the United States varies significantly by state and insurance status. In 2023, the national median charge for a C-section delivery for those without insurance, or using out-of-network services, was ****** U.S. dollars, with New Jersey topping the list of the highest costs at ****** U.S. dollars.
Insurance impact on c-section costs Having insurance significantly reduces the financial burden of childbirth. The national median allowed value for insured, in-network C-sections was ****** U.S. dollars in 2023, less than half the cost for uninsured patients. Even with insurance, costs vary widely by state, with New Jersey again having the highest median allowed value at ****** U.S. dollars. The disparity between insured and uninsured costs underscores the importance of healthcare coverage for expectant mothers. C-section rates and reasons C-section rates in the United States remain higher than national targets. In 2024, the average C-section rate for low-risk first-time mothers was **** percent, above the national target of **** percent. Among all live births, the C-section rate was even higher, at **** percent in 2023. A 2023 survey revealed that about a ******* of women who had C-sections in the past six months did so due to previous C-sections, while over **** reported having emergency C-sections.

The datasets contain hospital discharges counts (numerators, denominators, volume counts), observed, expected and risk-adjusted rates with corresponding 95% confidence intervals for IQIs generated using methodology developed by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The IQIs are a set of measures that provide a perspective on hospital quality of care using hospital administrative data. These indicators reflect quality of care inside hospitals and include inpatient mortality for certain procedures and medical conditions; utilization of procedures for which there are questions of overuse, underuse, and misuse; and volume of procedures for which there is some evidence that a higher volume of procedures is associated with lower mortality. All the IQI measures were calculated using Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) inpatient data beginning 2009. US Census data files provided by AHRQ were used to derive denominators for county level (area level) IQI measures.

The mortality, volume and utilization measures IQIs are presented by hospital as rates or counts. Area-level utilization measures are presented by county as rates. For more information, check out: http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/sparcs/. The "About" tab contains additional details concerning this dataset.

Decomposition of the differential in NTSV Low risk C-section rates between publicly and privately insured mothers.

This statistic depicts large U.S. hospitals with the highest Cesarean section (C-section) rates among first-time, low-risk mothers in the U.S. as of 2017. According to the data, South Miami Hospital in Miami, Florida had a C-section rate for first-time, low-risk mothers of around 51 percent. The targeted national average in the U.S. for such births is under 24 percent.

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

The global Cesarean Section Pack market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising cesarean birth rates worldwide, increasing demand for sterile and infection-control procedures in healthcare settings, and a growing preference for convenient, pre-packaged kits among healthcare professionals. The market's expansion is further fueled by advancements in medical technology, leading to the development of more efficient and effective packs tailored to specific surgical needs. While challenges exist, such as price sensitivity in emerging markets and stringent regulatory requirements, the overall market outlook remains positive. We estimate the market size in 2025 to be approximately $1.5 billion USD, based on observed growth in similar medical supply markets and considering the penetration of cesarean sections globally. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% is projected for the forecast period (2025-2033), reflecting sustained demand and innovation in the sector. Key market segments include disposable and reusable packs, categorized by components such as drapes, gowns, gloves, instruments, and antiseptic solutions. Competitive intensity is moderate to high, with established players like 3M, Medline Industries, and Mölnlycke Health Care vying for market share alongside smaller, specialized companies. Geographic regions like North America and Europe currently dominate the market due to higher healthcare spending and advanced healthcare infrastructure, but significant growth opportunities exist in developing economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America as healthcare infrastructure improves and cesarean birth rates rise. The market is expected to see increased consolidation, with larger companies potentially acquiring smaller players to expand their product portfolios and geographical reach. Furthermore, technological advancements focusing on improved sterility, reduced costs, and enhanced surgical efficiency are likely to shape the market's future trajectory.

The global disposable cesarean section pack market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising cesarean birth rates worldwide, increasing demand for infection control in healthcare settings, and the convenience and cost-effectiveness offered by pre-assembled packs. While precise market size data for 2025 is unavailable, considering a plausible market size of $1.5 billion in 2025 and a conservative Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% based on industry trends, the market is projected to reach approximately $2.2 billion by 2033. This growth is further fueled by advancements in pack contents, including improved materials and sterilization techniques that enhance patient safety and reduce the risk of surgical site infections. The market is segmented by AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) levels (1-4), reflecting the varying sterility requirements and pack contents, and by application (hospital, clinic, others), indicating the diverse settings utilizing these packs. Key players in this competitive market are continuously innovating to offer comprehensive, high-quality solutions, further driving market expansion. Significant regional variations exist, with North America and Europe currently holding the largest market shares, owing to established healthcare infrastructure and high adoption rates. However, emerging economies in Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa are expected to witness substantial growth in the forecast period, driven by increasing healthcare spending and rising awareness regarding infection control protocols. Market restraints include price sensitivity in certain regions, regulatory hurdles for new product approvals, and the potential for substitution with reusable packs in some settings. However, the overall long-term outlook for the disposable cesarean section pack market remains positive, underpinned by consistent growth in cesarean deliveries and the continuous demand for enhanced safety and efficiency in surgical procedures.

According to a U.S. hospital survey, only four in ten U.S. hospitals are meeting the national target for cesarean sections (c-sections) in 2024. However, in 2020, half of hospitals surveyed were meeting the national standard, the highest in the recorded time period. The current target for c-section births at U.S. hospitals of low-risk, first-time mothers is 23.6 percent. This is the Healthy People 2030 target of 23.6 percent for nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) cesarean birth rate, a standardized measure for ease of comparison between hospitals*. However, the actual average rate of NTSV c-section is currently at 25.2 percent. Still higher is the rate of c-section among all live births in the U.S. at 32.1 percent in 2022 (which includes mothers of higher risks such as giving birth to multiples).

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

According to a survey in 2023, about a quarter of women in the U.S. who had a cesarean section in the past six months said that they had a scheduled cesarean section due to previous c-section(s). On the other hand, over half of mothers reported having an emergency c-section, either before labor started (15 percent) or after labor started (39 percent). Only three percent reported their c-section being elective as in their own choice.

Medical risk factors, obstetric complications and cesarean-section delivery rates in twin pregnancies.

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.

This statistic depicts the percentage of hospitals in the United States that are meeting or exceeding the nationally acceptable rate for Cesarean sections (c-section) among first-time, low-risk mothers as of 2017. According to the data, just 44 percent of U.S. hospitals are meeting the national target for c-sections. The current target for C-section births at U.S. hospitals to low-risk, first-time mothers is 23.9 percent. However, the actual average rate in the U.S., according to most recent data, is currently at 25.8 percent.

The global obstetrical instruments market, valued at $151.39 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by several key factors. Rising global birth rates, particularly in developing economies, are significantly increasing the demand for these essential medical devices. Furthermore, advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques and the growing adoption of technologically advanced instruments, such as laparoscopic forceps and advanced pelvimeters, are fueling market expansion. The increasing prevalence of Cesarean sections, coupled with a greater emphasis on maternal and fetal well-being, also contributes to higher demand. Hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers constitute the largest segments within the application category, reflecting the concentrated use of these instruments in institutional settings. Key players like Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic are actively driving innovation and market penetration through product diversification and strategic acquisitions. While challenges exist, such as stringent regulatory approvals and potential price sensitivity in certain markets, the overall market outlook remains positive. The market's geographic distribution shows significant regional variations. North America currently holds a substantial market share, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure and high per capita healthcare expenditure. However, rapidly developing economies in Asia Pacific, particularly in India and China, are witnessing substantial growth, fueled by rising disposable incomes and improved healthcare accessibility. Europe maintains a considerable market presence, while the Middle East and Africa are showing promising growth potential, although at a slower pace due to factors such as limited healthcare infrastructure and lower adoption rates in some regions. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates a sustained CAGR of 7.6%, indicating consistent market expansion driven by aforementioned factors, leading to considerable market expansion by 2033.