A growing phenomenon where pregnant women are opting for caesarean sections instead of normal delivery without any medical reason is raising concerns among medical practitioners in the country.
A Caesarean section ( C-section) refers to a surgical procedure in which one or more incisions are made through a mother's abdomen and uterus to deliver one or more babies.
While some expectant mothers have the decision made for them due to complications, is it gradually becoming a fashion to go under the knife to have a baby.
The World Health Organisation stresses that when medically justified, a caesarean section can effectively prevent maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity, there is no evidence showing the benefits of caesarean delivery for women or infants who do not require the procedure.
The WHO has however directed that “Caesarean Section should ideally only be undertaken when medically necessary”.
It warned that the procedure can cause significant and sometimes permanent complications, disability or death particularly in settings that lack the facility and capability to properly conduct safe surgery and treat surgical complications.
It added that “ in recent years , governments and clinicians have expressed concern about the rise in the numbers of caesarean section births and the potential negative consequences for maternal and infant health”
Since 1985, health experts have considered the so-called ideal rate for C-sections to be between 10 and 15 percent. New studies show when the rates go below 10 percent, more mothers and babies die because they have no access to this life-saving intervention.
However, medical experts stresses a C-section is advisable when a vaginal delivery poses a risk to the mother or baby; for example due to prolonged labor, fetal distress, or because the baby is in an abnormal position.
In Ghana C-section rate is estimated to be about 7 percent
The surge in the option according to information gathered by Weekend Finder is that many women fear the pain of labour during and after a natural child birth and the possibility of vaginal stretching.
Experts in the public health service say C-section is not an option pregnant women make but is based purely on medical grounds but Week end Finder can report that most private hospitals are cashing in on the procedure due to the surging numbers that are opting for the procedure.
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