Something Old
Women who have given birth via C-section are often told they should not or cannot attempt natural childbirth delivery. But that's old news. In 2005 the Washington Post highlighted the case of a 32-year-old mother of three, forced to leave the state of Maryland because hospitals there refused natural birth for anyone having had a prior Caesarean section. (November 24, 2005) Her first three children were born in Pennsylvania, though only the first by C-section. She had no problems or complications during labor with either her second or third delivery, but that did not cut any ice with the Frederick Memorial Hospital.
Something New
Now for any mother who has had a C-section, her newest hurdle will be higher health insurance, or even being denied for health coverage altogether. (New York Times, June 1, 2008) C-sections are costly. If you've had one before, you are much more likely to have another, a risk that insurance companies are not willing to take or, at best, will continue to offer health coverage but with grossly inflated premiums.
Something Borrowed
Once an obstetrician makes the decision for a woman to have a C-section, the expectant mother may as well be living on borrowed time.
- One out of every eight babies are born early (520,000 each year)
- In 2006, 31.1% of US births were by C-section, a 50% increase over the previous decade
- Preterm births increased by 60,000 per year between 1996 and 2004, 92% being C-sections
- C-sections are the most common major surgical procedure for women
The more they are performed, the less likely insurance companies are to offer affordable medical insurance coverage to mothers who've had a C-section.
Something Blue
However, it remains an open debate among the medical community as to whether a C-section is actually safer than a vaginal birth. Many call for the decision to be placed back in the hands of the mothers. (Anchorage Daily News, April 18, 2008) Advocacy groups cite the success of those fortunate enough to have had a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) leaving many to wonder why C-sections are so frequent. Why for example would a C-section be recommended to a first-time mother? (USA Today, Jan 8, 2008) How about increased risks with surgery, maternal illness and death? Throw in higher health insurance rates and being rejected for health coverage and you can understand why many mothers get those baby blues.
Related links: Maryland Health Insurance, Alaska Health Insurance.