Cesarean section rates increased with increasing age of mother in the United Sates. In 2023, around 18.9 percent of mothers under the age of 20 gave birth via c-section, while the rate of cesarean delivery for mothers aged 40 to 54 was 48.1 percent. In the recorded time period, c-section rates for most age groups peaked in 2007 and has decreased slightly since then.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Variables from CDC vital statistics data considered for machine-learning models to classify mode of delivery for two prediction scenarios: tearly variables are known during the 1st trimester while tterm variables are known near the time of labor and delivery.

Rates of peripartum hysterectomy (per 1,000 deliveries) over time by race/ethnicity in individuals with a previous caesarean delivery, United States, 2011–2021.

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.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with a birth following a previous cesarean delivery, United States, 2011–2021, (N = 5,739,569)a.

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 obstetrics devices market is experiencing robust growth, driven by factors such as rising birth rates in developing economies, increasing prevalence of Cesarean sections, technological advancements in minimally invasive surgical procedures, and a growing demand for advanced maternal and fetal monitoring systems. The market, valued at approximately $XX million in 2025, is projected to maintain a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.40% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by the continuous innovation in medical device technology, leading to the development of more sophisticated and efficient tools for childbirth. The increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as laparoscopy, reduces recovery time and complications for mothers, further boosting market demand. Specific product segments like retractors and delivery forceps contribute significantly to overall market revenue, while suction pumps and other ancillary devices are expected to show strong growth due to their increasing utility in various obstetric procedures. Geographical segmentation reveals that North America currently holds a substantial market share, owing to advanced healthcare infrastructure and high per capita healthcare spending. However, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by increasing healthcare awareness, rising disposable incomes, and expanding healthcare facilities. Competitive dynamics within the market are shaped by the presence of established players such as Boston Scientific Corporation, Cooper Surgical, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic PLC, among others. These companies are actively investing in research and development to introduce innovative products and expand their market presence. The market is also characterized by a high level of regulatory scrutiny, demanding stringent quality and safety standards for obstetric devices. Future market growth will be influenced by factors such as evolving healthcare policies, technological breakthroughs in areas like AI-assisted diagnostics and robotic surgery, and the increasing focus on improving maternal and child health outcomes globally. Addressing challenges like cost constraints, particularly in low-income countries, will be crucial for sustained market expansion. The focus on improving access to high-quality obstetric care in underserved populations will significantly impact the market's future trajectory. Recent developments include: In June 2022, UroViu Corp launched a new Hystero-V, a single-use hysteroscope compatible with UroViu's Always Ready endoscopy platform., In January 2022, Inovus Medical launched a new high-fidelity hysteroscopy simulator, HystAR that combines the company's patented Augmented Reality technology and cloud-based learning platform with the natural haptics of its simulated tissue models to deliver highly realistic, scalable, tracked hysteroscopy skills training.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Birth Rate Globally and Rise in Obstetric Complications and Assisted Deliveries, Technological Advancements in Obstetrics. Potential restraints include: Increasing Birth Rate Globally and Rise in Obstetric Complications and Assisted Deliveries, Technological Advancements in Obstetrics. Notable trends are: Caesarean Delivery Segment Expects to Register a High CAGR in the Obstetrics Devices Market Over the Forecast Period.

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 ** percent. The targeted national average in the U.S. for such births is under ** percent.

Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for peripartum hysterectomy in 2019–2021 vs. reference epoch, among individuals with a previous cesarean delivery, United States, 2011–2021.

The South America fetal & neonatal monitoring market size is projected to expand at a substantial CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. Growth of the market is attributed to rising birth rate.

Fetal and neonatal equipment is mostly used to monitor, evaluate, and treat diseases in infants during their prenatal and postnatal stages. Pre-market approval is an FDA process that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of drugs and devices through scientific and regulatory review. Factors such as growing birth rate, preterm births, increasing caesarean sections, and increasing complications during childbirth are fueling the market. Fetal and neonatal monitoring is critical in providing life-sustaining, non-invasive, and developmentally supportive care to neonates, as well as providing a quiet and serene environment to protect the fetus's development. As a result, there is a high demand for low-cost or locally manufactured products with safety as the primary criterion. Preterm births are not just a problem in low-income countries. According to the world health organization, Brazil is one of the top ten countries in terms of preterm births. In other developed countries, medically unnecessary inductions and cesarean deliveries before full term have also increased preterm births. However, high costs and strict regulations are limiting market growth.



The Covid-19 pandemic affected the demand and supply of South America fetal & neonatal monitoring market. Lockdown across the globe, supply chain disorders, and oscillating supply of raw materials forced manufacturers to shut down production leading to unfortunate decline in market growth. Launch of vaccines to combat the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to contribute to the market growth over the forecast period.

Market Trends, Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities

• Increasing initiatives and support from government is projected to drive the market.


• Increase in birth rate has fueled the market of fetal & neonatal monitoring.


• Covid 19 pandemic and high cost may hinder the market growth.


• Development of neonatal equipment is anticipated to create immense opportunities for the market players.<

Doula Care Service Market Outlook

The global market size for doula care services was valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period. One of the primary growth drivers for this market is the increasing awareness of the benefits of doula care, including emotional, physical, and informational support during childbirth and postpartum periods.

One of the significant growth factors for the doula care service market is the rising awareness and preference among expecting parents for personalized and holistic birth experiences. More families are seeking the support of trained doulas to provide continuous care and advocacy during labor, leading to better birth outcomes and increased satisfaction. This trend is particularly evident in developed countries where healthcare consumers are well-informed and prioritize comprehensive maternal care. Moreover, the increasing number of educational programs and certifications for doulas has contributed to the professionalization and credibility of the services, further driving market growth.

Another crucial factor contributing to the market's expansion is the growing recognition of the positive impact of doula care on maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Studies have shown that doula support can lead to reduced rates of cesarean sections, shorter labor durations, and lower use of pain relief medications. These benefits not only improve the childbirth experience but also contribute to overall healthcare cost savings. As healthcare systems and insurance providers acknowledge the value of doula services, there is a gradual shift towards policy changes that support the inclusion of doulas in maternity care packages, thereby broadening the market's reach.

The increasing emphasis on mental health and emotional well-being during pregnancy and postpartum periods has also fueled the demand for doula care services. The postpartum period can be particularly challenging, with many new mothers experiencing feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Doulas provide essential emotional support, education, and practical assistance, helping new mothers navigate this critical phase more effectively. As conversations around maternal mental health become more mainstream, the demand for comprehensive postpartum support, including doula services, is expected to grow significantly.

Regionally, North America has been a leader in the adoption of doula care services, driven by a well-established healthcare infrastructure, high awareness levels, and supportive policies. Countries in Europe are also seeing a steady increase in demand, with growing recognition of the benefits of doula support in countries like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing a rising interest in doula care as part of a broader trend towards personalized healthcare, although the market is still in its nascent stages. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are expected to see moderate growth, with increasing urbanization and awareness contributing to market expansion.

Service Type Analysis

The doula care service market can be segmented by service type into four main categories: Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Antepartum Doula, and Others. Birth doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to a woman before, during, and shortly after childbirth. This segment holds the largest share of the market, driven by the increasing number of families seeking non-medical support during labor. These services are increasingly being recognized for their role in reducing labor time, decreasing the need for medical interventions, and improving overall maternal satisfaction.

Postpartum doulas offer care and support in the weeks following the birth of a baby. They assist with newborn care, breastfeeding support, and household tasks, and provide emotional support to new mothers. The demand for postpartum doula services is on the rise, particularly in regions where extended family support may be limited. This segment is expected to grow significantly as more families recognize the importance of postnatal care for the mother’s and baby’s health and well-being.

Antepartum doulas, who support women experiencing high-risk pregnancies or those on bed rest before labor, represent a smaller but cri

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).

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.

In 2024, over ** percent of hospitals in the United States offered breastfeed consultants for maternity patients. Generally this was provided in the hospital. Moreover, close to ** percent of hospitals allowed doulas for labor and delivery, which is associated with better birthing experience and outcome. Just ** percent of hospitals allowed for VBAC attempt. This means that at ** percent of hospitals, the birthing individual must have a c-section after a previous cesarean delivery, which is unnecessary most of the time.

At a cost of around *** thousand U.S. dollars, heart valve replacements were among the most expensive surgeries in the United States as of 2021. Other surgeries that cost over 100 thousand U.S. dollars at that time included bypass surgery and spinal fusion surgery. However, these prices are not complete because they do not include airfare travel or lodging costs for the patient (and companion). On the other hand, there might be variations due to factors like type of hospital, doctor’s experience, accreditation, currency exchange rates, etc. Higher health care costs in the U.S. Increasing health care costs in the U.S. are driven by many things, but the increased use of technology is a strong driver of rising health care costs. The electrosurgical segment of the surgical instrument market has grown in recent years and is expected to continue to grow. Other forms of medical technology are also on the rise, such as forms of digital health, electronic medical records, and diagnostics. The U.S. digital health market has grown and is expected to see significant gains in the coming years. Heart surgeries Some of the most frequent operations performed in the U.S. include cesarean sections, arthroplasty of the knee and percutaneous coronary angioplasty. The cost of heart bypass surgeries in the U.S. is significantly higher than the cost of bypass surgeries in other countries around the world. It is projected that the cost of treating coronary heart disease will exceed the cost of treating many other cardiovascular diseases. The cost increase is clearly seen in the increase in surgical treatment prices. Since 2005, the cost of a coronary angioplasty surgical treatment in the U.S. has nearly doubled.