Doctors Warn Of C-Section ‘ Epidemic ’ As Global Rates Double

(CBS Local) — Caesarean section birth rates have nearly doubled in two decades worldwide, even reaching “epidemic” proportions in some countries, doctors warned Friday. According to research published in The Lancet, the number of women delivering babies via C-sections rose to 29.7 million worldwide in 2015, or 21 percent. That is the most recent year for which complete data is available. That’s up from 16 million in 2000, or 12 percent of all births, and significantly higher than the 10-15% considered medically necessary. Globally, the number of babies born through #Caesarean section has almost doubled between 2000 and 2015 – from 12% to 21% of all births (higher than the 10-15% #Csection level considered optimal for medical purposes) @TheLancet #FIGO2018 #EveryWomanMatters https://t.co/X8FE01fWwW pic.twitter.com/Yx6Lec0VzT — The Lancet (@TheLancet) October 12, 2018 The results also highlight a huge gap in childbirth care between rich and poor mothers, with the life-saving surgery unavailable to many women in poor countries and over-used in more affluent ones. The procedure can save lives when complications occur, such as bleeding, fetal distress, hypertensive disease, and babies in abnormal position. However, the surgery can also create complications and side effects, including higher risks during future births. “We call on healthcare professionals, hospitals, funders, women and families to only intervene in this way when it is medi...
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