P C Ibekwe1. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Caesarean section rates have been on the increase for the past decades. Reasons for this increase and the danger it portends, especially in developing countries, are evaluated. METHOD: Literature on caesarean sections performed in various centres in Nigeria and Western countries were retrieved through manual library search. RESULTS: There has been a progressive rise in caesarean section rates from the 1970s up to 2002, from 9.4% to 34.6%. Measures to reduce this rising rates were discussed. CONCLUSION: There is great need to reduce the caesarean section rate in Nigeria. There should be a clear and unquestionable indication for caesarean section in any patient.
BACKGROUND: Caesarean section rates have been on the increase for the past decades. Reasons for this increase and the danger it portends, especially in developing countries, are evaluated. METHOD: Literature on caesarean sections performed in various centres in Nigeria and Western countries were retrieved through manual library search. RESULTS: There has been a progressive rise in caesarean section rates from the 1970s up to 2002, from 9.4% to 34.6%. Measures to reduce this rising rates were discussed. CONCLUSION: There is great need to reduce the caesarean section rate in Nigeria. There should be a clear and unquestionable indication for caesarean section in any patient.