Cesarean delivery (C-section) is the most frequently performed surgery in women worldwide, and its frequency is continuously increasing. While it was previously associated with high risks for both mother and child, it is now considered a safe procedure. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge about potential short- and long-term health effects for both mother and child. This leads to uncertainties in decision-making regarding the optimal birth method.
A primary C-section is performed before labor has begun, meaning there have been no contractions affecting the cervix nor a (premature) rupture of membranes.
In contrast, a secondary C-section occurs when labor has already started, either through cervical contractions or a premature rupture of membranes.
- C-section rate 2014 in Germany: 31.8% (Federal Statistical Office)
- Development since 1991: Doubling of the rate (1991: 15.3%)
- Stabilization: Constant rate for three years
- Decline since 2014: Introduction of the risk-adjusted C-section rate led to a slight decrease
References:
- Macfarlane A, Blondel B, Mohangoo A, Cuttini M, Nijhuis J, Novak Z, et al. Wide differences in mode of delivery within Europe: risk-stratified analyses of aggregated routine data from the Euro-Peristat study. BJOG An Int J Obstet Gynaecol [Internet]. 2016 Mar;123(4):559–68. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25753683
- World Health Organization Human Reproduction Programme, 10 April 2015. WHO Statement on caesarean section rates. Reprod Health Matters [Internet]. 2015 Jan 27;23(45):149–50. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26278843
- Federal Statistical Office. Federal Statistical Office [Internet]. 2015. Available from: https://www.destatis.de/DE/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/_inhalt.html
- IQTIG - Institute for Quality Assurance and Transparency in Healthcare. National evaluation for the reporting year 2015 Obstetrics Quality Indicators [Internet]. 2016. Available from: http://www.iqtig.org