The number of induced labor and cesarean births had been rising steadily since the 1990’s but the CDC reports that the last two years have seen the rates of these types of births start to decline.

Previously, preterm birth had been seen as a practice made safe by medical advances meant to help preterm babies cope with early births. The perceived safety resulted in early births that were not just to preserve the lives of mother and child, but that were meant to be more convenient for scheduling purposes. However, despite these medical advances, babies born before 39 weeks gestation are up to twice as likely to die in the first 12 months following delivery than those who went to full term.

Because of the increased risks to babies born preterm, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended changes in policy the ensure that babies are not being delivered before 39 weeks unless there is a clear medical threat to mother, child or both. These recommendations have led to policies that reflect professional reconsiderations on the matter.

Between 1990 and 2010, the rates of induced labor births shot up from 10 to 24 percent of all births. However, between 2010 and 2012, the rates dropped .7 percent.

The CDC reports that the rates of early births occurring at 37 or 38 weeks dropped 12 percent from 2006 to 2012. Early births induced at 34 to 36 weeks saw a 4 percent reduction in this same period of time.

It is estimated that the shift in early birth trends has allowed 176,000 babies to avoid premature births, saving a collective $9 billion dollars in costs to care for them after their births.

The reduction in rates in not happening universally across the United States. The decline varies between states and is influenced by socioeconomic factors. 75 percent of the states saw a drop in some form, but 11 states saw no change and increased rates were recorded in New York, North Carolina, and Alaska. The rate of intentional preterm births for white mothers dropped 19 percent, but Hispanic and black mothers saw a much smaller drop at seven and three percent, respectively.

Explanations for these variations in rate adjustments are likely due to the quality of care available in given areas. Better prenatal care is associated with stronger rates of decline in induced labor and cesarean section births.