HALF of all births at some Essex hospitals are now via caesarean sections it has been revealed reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
Latest figures for Mid and Southend Essex NHS Foundation Trust show 50 per cent of births at Basildon Hospital are by so-called C-sections where babies are delivered surgically.
At Broomfield, 49.9 per cent of babies are delivered by C-section and at Southend Hospital 43 per cent. This is against a national average of 42 per cent, up from 26 per cent a decade ago.
Previously, the NHS aimed to keep C-sections below 20 per cent but that guideline was lifted and mothers can now request the major op which comes with risks and huge cost to the NHS.
A normal birth currently costs the NHS £750 while a C-section is £1,700 due to surgical costs and extra recovery time in hospitals.
The rise is reported across the UK, with increased maternal age and obesity cited as contributing factors. A rising number of pregnancies are also being deemed complex, requiring surgical intervention.
In addition, women are choosing a C-section for non-medical reasons.
Nicki Abbott, interim managing director for women’s and children’s services at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Along with many trusts across the country we have seen a rise in both planned and emergency Caesarean sections. This is due to the increasing medical complexity of women and birthing people.
“Under NICE guidelines women and birthing people can also choose to have a planned C-section for non-medical reasons. It’s part of their right for choice and personalised care.”
A Caesarean section is a major operation that comes with risks, so it’s usually done when it’s the safest option for women and their baby.
While some women choose to have a C-section for non-medical reasons, it still has to be considered safe for them and their baby.
Maxine Sadza, councillor responsible for social care and healthier communities, said: “The increase in the number of C-sections being carried out are for mostly medical reasons such as breech births. Birthing has also become more complicated, as many women are waiting longer to have their babies and some women may have the complication of high blood pressure or diabetes due to being overweight. It does cost more to carry out Caesarean sections but it is something that Public Health are committed to in order to serve all our residents and ensure that they have safe births.’
