Birth by the Numbers

Birth statistics can give us a lot of insight as to the current state of our maternity care system. It can also help you in making decisions like choosing a care provider and birth location. Ask for the stats. How does your chosen or potential care provider or birth location compare? Is their cesarean rate higher than average? Is there a specific reason why? Is it lower?

The infographic below highlights a few key statistics on births in the United States in 2022:

Here’s a recap of the statistics from the infographic image:

• 98% of births took place in a hospital. The rest of births happened somewhere else, like a birth center or at home.
• Physicians were in attendance at most births, though around 12% were attended by midwives.
• 32% of births were induced, meaning medications or other methods were used to bring on labor.
• 77% of birthing people had an epidural or spinal anesthesia during labor.
• Roughly 1 out of 3 (32%) babies were born via cesarean section. According to the World Health Organization, the rate should be lower (around 10-15%).
• 95% of babies were in a cephalic (head down) presentation at birth. 5% were breech or some other presentation.
• 15% of birthing people with a previous cesarean went on to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). 85% had a repeat cesarean.
• 65% of birthing people had a spontaneous vaginal delivery; 3% had a vaginal birth using a vacuum or forceps; 9% had a cesarean birth after a trial of labor; 23% had a cesarean without a trial of labor.