Caesarean rate higher in private care

Elective Caesarean sections are far more common among pregnant women who attend private consultants than among mothers delivering in the public health system, according to research. The rate of elective Caesareans among women with private health insurance is also significantly higher than among mothers without insurance, the study by the Health Research Board shows. Obstetricians have argued that the increase in C-sections has been driven by a rise in multiple births, a trend towards bigger babies and the late presentation of many pregnant women, especially immigrants. (Times) >