CESAREAN SECTIONS IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES - SOME CONSIDERATIONS

Presently, the Caesarian section (c-section) has become widely used in developing countries where it can be a life-saving procedure for moth er or baby. However, some considerations must be directed to the costs of this intervention. Maternal mortality is around 1%, maternal morbi dity is much higher than after vaginal delivery and neonatal morbidity includes a greater risk of respiratory problems. The procedure seems to be poorly accepted in some populations and in the long-term, it exp oses women to an increased risk of uterine rupture during the next pre gnancy, together with a higher incidence of infertility. Financial cos ts are also much higher than those of a vaginal birth. Moreover, in so me developing countries, c-section rates seem to be unduly high, compa red to the obstetrical results, and this could be due to the role of t he physician. In order to reduce these rates, medical training should focus on the use of appropriate obstetric alternatives.