Cesarean Section Rates and Maternal and Neonatal Mortality in Low‐, Medium‐, and High‐Income Countries: An Ecological Study

Abstract

No association between cesarean section rates and maternal or neonatal mortality was shown in medium- and high-income countries. Thus, it becomes relevant for future good-quality research to assess the effect of the high figures of cesarean section rates on maternal and neonatal morbidity. For low-income countries, and on confirmation by further research, making cesarean section available for high-risk pregnancies could contribute to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, whereas a system of care with cesarean section rates below 10 percent would be unlikely to cover their needs.

Moving beyond disrespect and abuse: addressing the structural dimensions of obstetric violence

“…11 However, in some countries, first time mothers are routinely given episiotomies, 11 despite the lack of evidence to support this practice. 10 A hospital-based descriptive study which analysed data from 122 hospitals in 16 Latin American countries between 1995 and 1998 showed that 87% of the hospitals had episiotomy rates higher than 80% and 66% had rates higher than 90%, 12 and a study in Mexico carried out in [2005][2006] reported episiotomy rates of 84%. 13 The use of unnecessary caesarean sections is also well documented.…”

Cesarean Section and Chronic Immune Disorders

“…3 Even though the World Health Organization recommends cesarean delivery as indicated choice of delivery mode in less than 15% of births, 4 many developed countries have a much higher prevalence, pointing toward a less strict medical indication for the procedure. 5,6 Cesarean delivery has been linked to the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis, [7][8][9][10] as well as other immune disorders [11][12][13][14][15][16] in the offspring.…”

Caesarean Section Rate in a Tertiary Hospital in Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

“…The recommended minimum CS rate at population level to avoid death and severe morbidity in the mother lays between 1-5%, according to WHO and others [4][5][6]. On the other hand, studies evaluating the association CS rates with neonatal death have shown outcome improvements up to a CS rate of 10% [7][8][9]. Several studies have shown an association between CS rate and maternal and infant mortality at population level in low income countries where large sectors of the population lack access to basic obstetric care [7,8,10].…”

“…On the other hand, studies evaluating the association CS rates with neonatal death have shown outcome improvements up to a CS rate of 10% [7][8][9]. Several studies have shown an association between CS rate and maternal and infant mortality at population level in low income countries where large sectors of the population lack access to basic obstetric care [7,8,10]. The CS rate above a certain limit have not shown additional benefit for the mother or the baby, and some studies have even shown that high CS rates could be linked to negative consequences in maternal and child health [7][8][9][10][11].…”