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Perform c-section only when medically necessary, urges KCE
Concerned about the rising number of births by Caesarean section in Belgium, the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE) yesterday released a report calling for medical professionals to only perform c-sections in the case of emergency. The report shows that c-sections are performed more frequently than in the past, and often without any medical reason. The KCE points out that the operation does not hold any benefits in that case, but only risks for both mother and child.
A 2010 KCE report revealed that about 21% of deliveries in Belgium occur by Caesarean section. However, there are major differences between the hospitals, with figures ranging from 12- to 33%. In theory, a Cesarean is only to be performed in cases where a vaginal delivery proves too risky and would endanger the life of mother and/or child. In practice, however, an increasing number of women request an elective c-section beforehand for a number of reasons, including fear of natural childbirth, a need for control over the situation or to save their sex life, according to Johan Van Wiemeersch, chairman of the Flemish Association of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
The KCE aims to reverse this trend by highlighting the specific risks attached to the major surgery, including an increased chance of a rupture of the uterus or problems with the placenta in a subsequent birth, as well as a greater risk of breathing problems for the baby. With its latest report, the KCE wishes to underline the World Health Organisation's recommendation to only deliver by Caesarean section under the rare circumstance that it is medically necessary.
Comments
Re: "The KCE points out that the operation does not hold any benefits in that case, but only risks for both mother and child."
If it is true that the 'Knowledge Centre' has said this, then I would suggest it ventures further beyond the WHO for its information on maternal request caesareans. For example, look at the UK's evidence-based CG132 caesarean guidance, which was published in 2011, and recommended that maternal request be supported by doctors.
Planned VD is not risk free, and to suggest that a prophylactic planned caesarean delivery 'does not hold any benefits' is at best ill-informed and at worst, lying to women.
I would also suggest the KCE looks up the 2015 Supreme Court judgment 'Montgomery versus Lanarkshire Health Board'.
Co-author, Choosing Cesarean, A Natural Birth Plan
By offering such advice it is compounding an existing problem which is the apparent lack of accountability against medical professionals in Belgium. Our 3 daughters were all born in St Vincentius in Antwerp which has a reputation for having a strong preference towards natural delivery. Consequentially our 3rd daughter was born handicapped (Erbs palsy) due to her size (4.85kg). This could have easily been avoided if we were affected a C section or early induction. She was one of 2 babies born that day in this hospital with the same issue, 2 in 1 day! At no stage during the pregnancy were we advised she was above average weight, or the risks associated with a natural birth. The global stats for babies born with Erbs Palsy are approx 1-2 per 1000. I would like to see the stats for Belgium when such reckless advice is being dished out by a so called authority on the matter. Are these stats even taken into consideration? Do they even exist?....