text_1: Early Cesareans put babies at risk, study finds
text_2: 31% of all births in the U.S. in 2006 were performed via Cesarean Section, well above the WHO’s recommendation that this percentage should not exceed 15%. The number of C-sections is rising, mostly because many women who had a C-section for their last baby are choosing to have another C-section rather than trying to give birth vaginally. Because this type of C-section is scheduled, there may be some pressure to schedule it earlier than recommended for the convenience of the mother, family, or physician. This study examines the risks of scheduling the procedure at 37 weeks–when babies generally reach gestational maturity–or later, but before the recommended 39 weeks. This story does a good job of describing the current study and quantifying the results. The story quotes multiple experts who provide different perspectives. In all, this was a very well done story that provides valuable information to the readers – and in only about 500 words.