Babylune

The More Experienced the OB, the Less Likely the C-Section

by kate baggott on September 22nd, 2006

Time to re-think the idea that the “elective cesarian” is behind the rising rate of surgical births. According to an article in today’s Guardian, the rate may have more to do with the experience levels of the attending physician.

The controvery stems from second-stage labour cesarians that are often performed due to “failure to progress.”

Apparently, trainees and experienced doctors have very different ideas of what constitutes a “failure to progress.”

• A UK study found, that “a consultant obstetrician who performed a vaginal assessment was more likely to reverse a decision made by an obstetric trainee for a caesarean and proceed to a safely conducted instrumental delivery”.
• From the woman’s point of view, a successful vaginal birth makes labour seem worthwhile and is better for her health. There can be complications with caesareans: recovery from major surgery takes time, and it is less likely that the mother will have a normal birth next time, say the authors. But, they continue, “without increases in junior doctors’ experience and recruitment into obstetrics, the problems with second stage caesareans will rise”.

I feel kind of guilty for believing that the “too posh to push” rule was the single reason behind the rising rate of c-sections. Obviously, I may think I know what it happening among mothers, but I have absolutely no idea what is happening between doctors!

Share This

Related Stories

Preparing for a C-Section?
C-Section Care
#2. Vacation Post: Recovering from a C-Section Omnibus
C-Section Recovery
Impatience & the C-Section

POSTED IN: Health