News

2nd April 2004

Natural births on the increase

The proportion of women having natural births in England went up in the year 2002-2003 according to new figures released by the Department of Health.

An estimated 47 per cent of deliveries were 'normal deliveries' defined as those without surgical intervention, use of instruments, induction, epidural or general anaesthetic. This is an increase from 45 per cent in the previous year.

However, the rise came about after the rate of Caesarean births stayed the same for the first time in 20 years. Since the 80s, the rate of Caesareans has increased on average by 1 per cent each year but last year it remained static at 22 per cent.

The Caesarean rate in the UK is much higher than the 10 per cent recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) but the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, (NICE) the government's NHS watchdog, is bringing in guidelines from the end of this month advising doctors there must be a medical reason for women to be given a Caesarean on the NHS.

The steady rise in the rate of caesarean births is thought to be partly due to doctors trying to cope with staff shortages and to reduce the possibility of legal action in the event of birth complications. It is also thought that some women chose to have caesareans as an 'easier' way to give birth.

However, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is disappointed with the figures and is calling on the NHS to implement clear guidelines for medical staff to follow, to determine at what stage a decision to perform a caesarean section has to be made as well as indicators for performing caesareans and what involvement the parents will have.

The RCM's General Secretary Dame Karlene Davis, DBE, said: "We're disappointed and concerned that despite our support for normal births there was no reduction in the caesarean rate."

The RCM is also concerned that mothers-to-be are not always made aware of the risks involved. Dame Karlene added: "A caesarean section is major abdominal surgery, posing a significant risk to women, including wound infection and serious complications such as bleeding, blood clotting and bladder injuries.

"Mothers-to-be must be given unbiased information on the benefits and risk of normal birth versus caesarean section, so they can make informed choices concerning the delivery of their child."

• Do you think more mothers-to-be are becoming 'too posh to push'? Tell us your views in Your Shout
• Find out about Caesarean births in Labour and Birth
• Discuss with other mums in the Caesarean Section Forum