- The cesarean section rate in Mexico is 40.7% and is among the highest in the world.
- According to the WHO, the ideal rate should be between 10% and 15%.
- In 2022, the IMSS presented the Comprehensive Maternal Care Model and one of its objectives is to eradicate unnecessary cesarean sections.
Pregnancy care is one of the priorities in the field of health. It is not only about monitoring throughout the gestation but also everything related to childbirth. The maximum aspiration is always to achieve the best for the mother and also for the product. But do you know which are the countries that perform the most caesarean sections in the world?
The best way to attend births
In the first instance, it should be remembered that there are different ways to attend a birth. The ideal and most recommended by gynecologists is the natural way. The whole process can take hours and is painful but it is the best option.
An important point is that it should always be within a hospital and receive the support of qualified medical personnel. The reason is because in recent years water births have become fashionable. Although it is a natural option, it does not really have the endorsement of doctors. It is even requested to avoid this alternative because the product is unnecessarily exposed to various pathogens.
Now, another alternative is the cesarean section that consists of making a surgical incision in the abdomen and uterus of the pregnant woman to extract one or more babies. Like any intervention, it involves both short- and long-term risk.
Unnecessary caesarean sections on the rise worldwide
Besides, According to the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1985 it has been shown that the ideal cesarean section rate should be between 10% and 15%. The drawback is that since then the cases on the planet have also increased, both in developed and developing countries.
Cesarean section, when medically justified, is effective in preventing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, the benefits of cesarean delivery for women or neonates for whom this procedure is unnecessary have not been demonstrated.
In recent years, governments and health professionals have expressed concern regarding the increase in the number of cesarean deliveries and the possible negative consequences for maternal and child health.
According to a study published by The Lancet, the growth rate of this intervention is “alarming”. At the beginning of the 21st century, 12% of births worldwide were performed by caesarean section. While for 2015 the figure increased to 21%.
The Countries With The Highest C-Section Rates In The World
The studies were replicated by Statista to get the countries that have the highest caesarean rates in the world. The first position is for the Dominican Republic with 58.1 percent. Then Brazil and Egypt appear with 55.5 percent each. Another point to note is that Latin American nations such as Venezuela and Chile also monopolize the top positions.
Regarding Mexico, it stands out that it has a rate of 40.7 percent. In fact, in 2022 the IMSS presented the Comprehensive Maternal Care Model. One of its goals is to eradicate unnecessary caesarean sections. It in no way prohibits them because there are times when they are required but in all other cases they should be avoided.
Also read:
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IMSS seeks to eliminate unnecessary cesarean sections with this new program