In 2023, around 32.3 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 20.8 percent to a peak of 32.9 percent in 2009. C-section rate has since varied little and stayed around 32 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.

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.

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 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.

Among all U.S. states, Nebraska had the highest hospital-based Cesarean section delivery rate as of 2017, with 34 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 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.

Additional file 2: Table S1. Summary demographics of all counties in each C-section group identified by geospatial analysis along with the p-values of the ANOVA test and the t-test comparing high-high to low-low.

The global Cesarean Surgical Drape market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the rising number of Cesarean deliveries worldwide and increasing awareness of infection prevention protocols in surgical settings. The market's expansion is fueled by several factors, including the growing adoption of advanced surgical techniques, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases contributing to higher Cesarean rates, and a rising demand for improved patient safety and hygiene standards. Technological advancements in drape materials, such as the development of fluid-resistant and antimicrobial drapes, are further stimulating market growth. The market is segmented by application (hospital, clinic, others) and type (AAMI levels 1-4), reflecting varying needs and preferences within the healthcare sector. Hospitals currently dominate the market share due to higher Cesarean delivery volumes compared to clinics. Similarly, higher AAMI levels (indicating enhanced barrier protection) command a premium price point and contribute significantly to market revenue. Competition is intense amongst key players such as Unigloves, Medline Industries, and 3M, who are focusing on product innovation and strategic partnerships to maintain market share. Geographic expansion into developing regions, where healthcare infrastructure is improving and Cesarean birth rates are increasing, presents substantial growth opportunities. The market is expected to witness consistent growth over the forecast period (2025-2033), though potential restraints include fluctuating raw material prices and stringent regulatory approvals for new products. The forecast for the Cesarean Surgical Drape market indicates a positive outlook for the coming decade. Assuming a conservative CAGR of 5% (a reasonable estimate considering the factors above), the market size of $500 million in 2025 would likely reach approximately $814 million by 2033. Regional growth will vary, with North America and Europe anticipated to maintain significant market share due to well-established healthcare systems and high healthcare expenditure. However, emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa are predicted to exhibit faster growth rates, driven by rising disposable incomes and increased healthcare investments. The market’s future success will depend on manufacturers' ability to address the evolving needs of healthcare providers, emphasizing product quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness while adapting to changing regulatory landscapes.

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

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 seven percent.

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.

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).

Annual statewide and national statistics for MCH Indicators (preterm births, LBW infants, prenatal care, cesarean deliveries, tobacco use, general fertility rates, and teen birth rates)

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

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

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.

The global Cesarean Surgical Drape market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the rising incidence of Cesarean sections worldwide and increasing demand for infection prevention measures in surgical procedures. The market, estimated at $2 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a healthy CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of around 6% from 2025 to 2033, reaching a market value exceeding $3 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors, including advancements in drape technology leading to improved sterility and reduced infection risks, a growing preference for disposable drapes over reusable ones due to hygiene concerns and cost-effectiveness in the long run, and stringent regulatory frameworks promoting infection control protocols in healthcare facilities. The market segmentation reveals a strong preference for higher AAMI levels (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) reflecting the increasing emphasis on superior infection control. Hospitals represent the largest application segment, given the high volume of Cesarean births performed in these settings. Geographically, North America and Europe currently hold significant market share due to high healthcare expenditure and advanced medical infrastructure, but rapidly developing economies in Asia-Pacific are poised for significant growth in the coming years. Several factors are shaping future market trends. The increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques may impact market demand, although the need for sterile drapes remains crucial. Further technological advancements, including the introduction of smart drapes with integrated monitoring systems, are likely to drive market innovation and premium pricing segments. However, potential restraints include price sensitivity in certain regions, particularly in developing economies, and the need for healthcare providers to balance cost-effectiveness with infection control measures. Competitive landscape analysis reveals several key players such as Unigloves, Medline Industries, and 3M dominating the market, although smaller, specialized companies also play a significant role through innovation and regional focus. Continued market consolidation and strategic partnerships are expected in the future.

This is a publication on maternity activity in English NHS hospitals. This report examines data relating to delivery and birth episodes in 2022-23, and the booking appointments for these deliveries. This annual publication covers the financial year ending March 2023. Data is included from both the Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) data warehouse and the Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS). HES contains records of all admissions, appointments and attendances for patients admitted to NHS hospitals in England. The HES data used in this publication are called 'delivery episodes'. The MSDS collects records of each stage of the maternity service care pathway in NHS-funded maternity services, and includes information not recorded in HES. The MSDS is a maturing, national-level dataset. In April 2019 the MSDS transitioned to a new version of the dataset. This version, MSDS v2.0, is an update that introduced a new structure and content - including clinical terminology, in order to meet current clinical practice and incorporate new requirements. It is designed to meet requirements that resulted from the National Maternity Review, which led to the publication of the Better Births report in February 2016. This is the fourth publication of data from MSDS v2.0 and data from 2019-20 onwards is not directly comparable to data from previous years. This publication shows the number of HES delivery episodes during the period, with a number of breakdowns including by method of onset of labour, delivery method and place of delivery. It also shows the number of MSDS deliveries recorded during the period, with breakdowns including the baby's first feed type, birthweight, place of birth, and breastfeeding activity; and the mothers' ethnicity and age at booking. There is also data available in a separate file on breastfeeding at 6 to 8 weeks. The count of Total Babies includes both live and still births, and previous changes to how Total Babies and Total Deliveries were calculated means that comparisons between 2019-20 MSDS data and later years should be made with care. Information on how all measures are constructed can be found in the HES Metadata and MSDS Metadata files provided below. In this publication we have also included an interactive Power BI dashboard to enable users to explore key NHS Maternity Statistics measures. The purpose of this publication is to inform and support strategic and policy-led processes for the benefit of patient care. This report will also be of interest to researchers, journalists and members of the public interested in NHS hospital activity in England. Any feedback on this publication or dashboard can be provided to enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk, under the subject “NHS Maternity Statistics”.

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.