Trends in the frequency of cesarean births.

While the actual cesarean birth rate may still be increasing, it appears that the rate of increase is not as extreme. Perhaps this can be expressed as a trend. A recent study has demonstrated the ability to decrease the primary cesarean section rate without adverse perinatal effects. Confirmation that the cesarean birth rate is not necessarily linked to perinatal mortality is available from the Dublin report, in which the authors note that the trend in cesarean birth rates can be altered by a different approach to the management of labor. While still speculative, it appears that public concern and physician attitudes may soon be reflected in a trend toward decreasing cesarean birth rates.