New research from the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that the use of caesarean sections continues to increase globally and, in fact, now accounts for more than one in five (21%) of all deliveries.
Also, this number is expected to continue to rise over the next decade, with nearly a third (29%) of all births likely to be by cesarean section by 2030 .
While a C-section can be an essential and life-saving surgery, it can put women and babies at unnecessary risk for short-term and long-term health problems if performed when there is no medical need.
Only necessary caesarean sections
Cesarean section is a fairly frequent surgical intervention to extract the baby in our environment. 26 percent of deliveries in Spain are by caesarean section, double that recommended by the WHO for whom the “ideal” rate of caesarean section is between 10 and 15 percent.
“Cesarean sections are absolutely critical to saving lives in situations where vaginal deliveries would pose risks, so all health systems must ensure timely access for all women when needed,” said Dr. Ian Askew, Director of the WHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research the United Nations joint program.
Cesarean sections can be essential in situations such as prolonged or obstructed labor, fetal distress, or because the baby is presenting in an abnormal position. However, as with all surgeries, they can have risks. These include the possibility of heavy bleeding or infection, slower recovery times after delivery, delays in establishing breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, and an increased likelihood of complications in future pregnancies.
Inequality around the world
There are significant discrepancies in a woman’s access to caesarean sections, depending on where in the world she lives. In less developed countries, about 8% of women delivered by caesarean section and only 5% in sub-Saharan Africa, indicating a worrying lack of access to this life-saving surgery.
On the contrary, in Latin America and the Caribbean, the rates reach 4 out of 10 (43%) of all births. In five countries (Dominican Republic, Brazil, Cyprus, Egypt and Turkey), caesarean sections outnumber vaginal deliveries .
Caesarean sections will continue to increase
Cesarean section rates around the world have risen from about 7% in 1990 to 21% today, and are projected to continue to rise during the current decade.
If this trend continues, by 2030 the highest rates are likely to be in East Asia (63%), Latin America and the Caribbean (54%), West Asia (50%), North Africa (48%) and the Southern Europe (47%). ) and Australia and New Zealand (45%), the research suggests.
“It is important that all women are able to speak with health care providers and be part of decision-making about their birth, receiving adequate information, including risks and benefits. Emotional support is a fundamental aspect of quality care during pregnancy and childbirth “, has detailed the medical officer of the WHO and HRP, Ana Pilar Betran.
In Babies and more | Cesarean section: when is this intervention indicated according to the time of delivery
