C-section births hit 25.3% in 2025, highest rate in a decade
C-section deliveries reached 25.3% of all births in 2025, the highest rate in a decade. The Leapfrog Group's annual maternity care report shows cesarean births among first-time mothers having single babies at full term stayed high nationwide.
Cesarean section births hit 25.3% of all deliveries in 2025, marking the highest rate in ten years according to the Leapfrog Group's annual maternity care report.
The rate specifically tracks births among first-time mothers having single babies at full term, a group called NTSV (Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex). This measure helps doctors compare hospital practices fairly.
Global research from 2015-2025 shows rising C-section rates have both short and long-term effects on mothers and babies. The World Health Organization recommends C-section rates between 10-15% for medical necessity.
Not all the news was about increases. Episiotomy rates dropped 73% since Leapfrog began tracking the procedure, which involves cutting tissue during delivery. This shows some birthing practices are becoming less invasive.
C-sections cost more than vaginal deliveries and require longer recovery times. They're sometimes medically necessary but can be overused in some hospitals.
Higher C-section rates affect birth costs and recovery time for millions of families. C-sections typically cost more than natural births and require longer hospital stays, impacting insurance costs and family planning decisions.
Watch for 2026 maternity care data and potential policy changes to address rising C-section rates.
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