What's happened
In England, caesarean deliveries accounted for 25% of births last year, up from 23% the previous year and 13% a decade ago. Experts attribute this increase to complex pregnancies linked to rising obesity rates and older maternal age, while addressing common misconceptions about C-sections.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, 'One in four babies born in NHS hospitals in England last year were delivered by caesarean section,' highlighting a significant trend in childbirth methods. The Independent notes that 'despite this increase in numbers, there are still many misconceptions surrounding caesareans,' emphasizing the need for public education on the realities of C-sections. BBC News adds that 'the likelihood of a Caesarean increased with the mother's age,' indicating demographic shifts affecting delivery methods. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) president Dr. Ranee Thakar states, 'We are seeing national rising rates of obesity and people choosing to have children at a later stage in their life,' which further supports the observed trends.
How we got here
The rise in caesarean sections in England has been gradual over the past decade, influenced by factors such as increasing maternal age and obesity. Recent statistics show that 101,264 of 398,675 deliveries were C-sections in the last year.
Common question
-
Why are caesarean birth rates increasing in England?
The rise in caesarean birth rates in England has sparked significant interest and concern among healthcare professionals and expectant parents alike. With 25% of births now delivered via caesarean section, it's crucial to understand the factors driving this trend and its implications for maternal and child health. Below, we explore common questions surrounding this topic.
More on these topics
-
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is a professional association based in London, United Kingdom. Its members, including people with and without medical degrees, work in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology, that is, pregnancy, child
-
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. England is separated from continental Europe by