One in five babies is delivered via caesarean section

Experiencing a caesarean section can, like vaginal delivery, be either a difficult or an awesome experience. Most C-sections are free from complications, but incisions are not risk-free.

Ingela Ågren

3 min read

Verified by Ingela Ågren

Certified Midwife

One in five babies is delivered via caesarean sectionPhoto: Preggers

Roughly 18 per cent of all deliveries in Sweden end in C-sections, the most common surgery performed on fertile women. Approximately half of the C-sections are elective, and half are acute. Some women are informed early during their pregnancy that they will deliver through C-section, while others only have a few days to prepare. Yet some have no time at all to get used to the idea, i.e. when the decision is made during labour. The reason can be low oxygenation, low heart rate in the baby or because labour stops.

Most C-sections are performed due to medical reasons and the decision always lies with a doctor. Most of the time it is a procedure free from complications, but a caesarean section is still a complicated surgical procedure and it is not risk-free. Reasons for elective C-sections may include the woman having delivered through C-sections in the past and the fact that the old scars are not expected to tolerate the stress of a vaginal delivery. Another reason is the severe fear of delivery. In this regard, repeat mothers with distressful previous deliveries make up the biggest group. In-depth assessments are carried out in these cases and the woman gets opportunities to discuss her distress with a midwife, obstetrician and other maternity ward personnel.

Having a C-section is not a right; the number of women for whom elective C-sections have been approved due to humanitarian reasons has, however, increased over the past fifteen years. Mothers who elect to deliver through C-section may have a severe fear of childbirth, and sometimes incision is the only option. Delivery by C-section is not a bad alternative, and it has never been safer than it is today; still, one should be aware of the risks for both mother and baby. The caesarean section puts a major strain on the body. Epidural anaesthesia is administered to the woman and she will not feel the procedure. Problems may arise afterwards, such as infections, blood clots and difficulties carrying things during the weeks following delivery. There are long-term health risks for the baby. Research has shown an increased risk of asthma and gluten intolerance. However, many babies are born both in Sweden and overseas without negative implications for either baby or mother.

TIP! Do you have a planned cesarean? Go to "your settings (quick link here)\ > My pregnancy & due dates> Planned delivery date" to change the date.

Ingela Ågren

Verified by Ingela Ågren

Certified Midwife

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