Des Moines, IA - More women in Iowa are having babies by cesarean section, and an effort is underway to reduce those numbers. The latest statistics (from 2005) show cesarean births accounted for more than 26 percent of deliveries in the state, a jump of nearly six percent from the previous year.
According to experts, the procedure is used too often, even when it is not the safest choice for mother or child. Kelly Sorensen, of the International Cesarean Awareness Network in Iowa says a first-of-its-kind class will make sure expectant parents have all the information they need.
"We want to prepare couples by giving them practical information about the things they can do to increase their chances of a successful vaginal birth."
The class is open to all couples and will provide "common sense information" on what can be done before, and during labor, to help lessen the need for a c-section. It's being sponsored by the International Cesarean Awareness Network and "Learn West," part of West Des Moines Community Education .
