WHO warns against women choosing to give birth using c-section for non-medical reasons
"While a caesarean section can be an essential and lifesaving surgery, it can put women and babies at unnecessary risk of short- and long-term health problems if performed when there is not medical need."
There are different methods of delivery. The most common one is the vaginal birth. This is when a child is pushed out of the mother's uterus via the vagina. It does not require surgery.
Another popular method of giving birth is the cesarean section.
Webmd describes a C-section as a way of delivering a baby by surgery that opens up the mother’s abdomen and uterus.
When is a C-section done?
A C-section is usually done when natural birth might be too risky for both the mother and child. For instance, if you face challenges during labour such as when your baby is in distress or is in an abnormal position.
Most doctors also recommend a C-section when the child is too large for the birth canal. It can also be recommended when you have previously given birth using a C-section.
READ: Jennifer Bala talks about the challenges she had after having a C-section
More women giving birth using C-section
A recent report by the World Health Organization indicates that a C-section births are on the rise.
The health site states that C-section births now account for more than 1 in 5 (21%) of all childbirths.
It also states that the number is going to increase in the coming years.
"This number is set to continue increasing over the coming decade, with nearly a third (29%) of all births likely to take place by caesarean section by 2030," states the site.
Pros and cons of a C-section
One of the biggest benefits of a C-section is that it can save both the mother and baby's lives.
When it is scheduled, it also gives the mother the opportunity to prepare emotionally and mental for delivery.
However, despite all these benefits, a C-section births also comes with risks.
WHO says that it is important that a C-section is only done for medical reasons.
"While a caesarean section can be an essential and lifesaving surgery, it can put women and babies at unnecessary risk of short- and long-term health problems if performed when there is not medical need," states the website.
READ: 'My C-section horror story'
Dr Ian Askew, Director of WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, says unnecessary surgical procedures can pose a health risk for both mother and child.
“But not all the caesarean sections carried out at the moment are needed for medical reasons. Unnecessary surgical procedures can be harmful, both for a woman and her baby,” he said.
Some of the risks highlighted by the health site include; heavy bleeding or infection, slower recovery times after childbirth, delays in establishing breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, and increased likelihood of complications in future pregnancies.