A new study by researchers at Trinity College Dublin has found that C-Section rates in Ireland are unacceptable.
More than one-third of first-time mothers are giving birth by caesarean section in the Republic of Ireland despite evidence suggesting no additional benefits to mothers and babies.
Experts at TCD say the high rates of caesarean sections are not in keeping with the expectations of pregnant women.
There has been a steady rise of over 30% year on year, in caesarean birth rates, over the last decade.
Researchers found that some doctors' decisions to recommend a C-Section were driven by a "fear of adverse outcomes and subsequent litigation, personal preference, and their threshold to intervene and the culture of practice within the system".
The study carried out interviews with 20 obstetricians and 15 midwives, who were involved in the decision-making process for C-Section in three maternity units in the Republic of Ireland.
Sunita Panda, Assistant Professor in Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and lead author of the study said, there's growing concern as more than one-third of mothers are giving birth to their first babies by caesarean section.
“Becoming a mother is a unique part of a woman’s life and most women wish for a natural birth with a sense of achievement."
"It's crucial and timely to understand the factors that influence the decision-making and take action to stop the rising rates of caesarean sections safely and effectively.”
Research from @TCD_SNM led by @SunitaP60266302 examined the reasons behind the rise in #caesarean births in first-time mums in Ireland & found many factors which influence a clinician's decision to perform a section. Read more:https://t.co/cCEmOIxuuk #TrinityResearch pic.twitter.com/Bv9omWSqBN
— Trinity College Dublin (@tcddublin) January 11, 2023
Dr Krysia Lynch, Maternity care expert and Chair of the Association for Improvements to Maternity Services in Ireland said, “This is an incredibly important piece of research informing both policymakers and service users as to why our caesarean birth rates are so high and rapidly climbing.
"Service users expect that our high caesarean rates reflect evidence-based practice and absolute need, this research paper has clearly shown that this is not the case.
"The most recent maternity safety statements, available for 2022, show five of our units with a first-time mother caesarean birth rate of over 50% with another three having a rate of over 40%. These rates are perhaps partially informed by our equally high induction of labour rates."
