Modern rise of ‘emergency’ procedure

C-SECTIONS are becoming increasingly common.

Just a generation ago, the procedure was relatively unknown – and normally only used in emergencies.

But there has been an explosion in C-section numbers and now almost a third of babies in Scotland are delivered by the method.

And leading midwives have called for an investigation into the reasons for the rise.

Figures in a report by the Scottish NHS’s information services division showed that 31% of all births in 2014 were by C-section, up from 27.3% in 2013 and 10% in the 1970s.

Some experts believe social trends such as rising levels of obesity and older mothers are responsible for the increase.

Emergency C-sections are normally called for in the event of a major setback, such as a breech birth, or where a baby is struggling with a falling heartbeat.

As such, World Health Organisation guidelines state caesareans should only be performed when medically necessary – and should not exceed 15% of all births.

Despite this, figures showed 41% of babies were delivered by C-section at the Princess Royal maternity hospital in Glasgow in March 2015 – among the highest rates in the UK.

The procedure costs the NHS £1700 on average, compared with £750 normally.

Women are five times more likely to die when having a C-section. Those who have the operation may find themselves unable to have more children and at increased risk of future stillbirths and blood clots.