C-Sections, Wary Docs Push Birth Costs Up

Spending on childbirth—the country's No. 1 reason for hospitalization—is on the rise, and much of it is due to unnecessary tests and procedures, USA Today reports. A new study critical of the system found that $2.5 billion is spent annually on needless high-tech C-sections, which cost more than twice as much as a normal birth. "Everybody recognizes that our health care system's in trouble," says the study's co-author. "But when it comes to maternity care, no one talks about it."

Childbirth-related charges swelled from $79 billion in 2005 to $86 billion in 2006. An expert familiar with the report said that “very significant external forces” were to blame. Doctors often order unnecessary tests to gird themselves against malpractice suits, and C-sections mean a longer stay and more money for the hospital. “A lot of people think pregnant women are accidents waiting to happen,” one of the authors said. “It's just crazy.” (More childbirth stories.)