Cesarean Rates in Atlanta

4/2/2024

Some say that Cesarean Sections, or c-sections, are on the rise for a myriad of reasons, but experts agree that, primarily among low-risk, first time mothers, this way of birthing may not be necessary and can have risks involved. Risks include infections, blood clots and obviously pain.*

Evidence-based care can improve the overall experience of women giving birth and help reduce the c-section rate in low risk women. One such option would be doula support. Sources indicate that doulas improve birth outcomes, to include lower risk of interventions. Benefits explained by randomized trials include decreased need for analgesia, fewer operative deliveries, shortened labor, lower rate of episiotomy, and as previously mentioned, increase in satisfaction rate. View ACOG’s approach to preventing the primary c-section here. 

Since 1985, the World Health Organization, or WHO, has considered the ideal rate for cesarean sections to be between 10-15%. When the rate goes above 10% there is no evidence that mortality rates improve. **

This is interesting, given that most metro Atlanta hospitals have rates well above the recommended 10-15%, by WHO. 

For Leapfrog Group’s Hospital Survey, hospitals report on their rate of c-sections for first-time mothers giving birth to a single baby, at full-term, in the head-down position.

Reporting Period: Summer 2023

The following hospitals in metro Atlanta have reported their numbers to the Leapfrog Group. Northside Hospital in Atlanta DID NOT DISCLOSE their numbers.

• Emory Decatur averages 56 babies delivered per week, with an annual c-section rate of 31.5% and an episiotomy rate of 2.4%.

• Emory Midtown: annual 30.1% c-section, episiotomy 1.9%, averaged 106 weekly births

• Piedmont: annual 26.5% c-section, episiotomy 3.4%, averaged 56 weekly births

• North Fulton: 23.6% c-section, episiotomy 1.2%, averaged 25 weekly births

*Text excerpts from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/caesarean-section

**Text excerpts from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-RHR-15.02 

If your provider can tell you their personal rates or the cumulative rate of their group, this is a great start! It’s important to ask your provider, so you can make an informed decision about choosing them to care for you during your journey.