C-Section Option For All Women, Report Says

Only women that really need a C-section should have one. Otherwise the operating theatres could be full, when other women need an emergency C-section to save their babys life. I know, l had an emergency C-section with my first child. It's a major operation, and many things can go wrong.

I think having the freedom to choose is a good idea, however if there is no actual medical need it should then become a private procedure and therefore chargable.

I had an emergency c section and it nearly cost me my life - I lost 4.5 ltrs of blood, had 8 units transfused back in and ended up in intensive care. During my pregnancy I wished for a section as natural birth scared me, now I know to be careful what you wish for.

I've had 2 c sections due to not going into labour, first one an emergency wasnt too bad too recover but maybe beacause my baby was in SCBU for 8 days I stayed in hospital. 2nd was a nightmare, think my surgeon had been drafted in from the local butchers - infection, hematoma (spelling!) , staples !!! 3 months till wound stopped weeping. Not the easy option and would NOT recomend it to anyone !!!!!
Too posh to push - I would have liked the chance

believe it or not, i became a grandfather for the first time early today (a boy incidentally and yes, both doing well). at one point during my daughter in law's labour, they were thinking of a c-section, but happily it all panned out ok in the end. she had hoped to have the natural birth, so all ended happily in the end.

My wife is due in March and I read this article thinking she should definitely opt for a c-section If given the choice. After reading the comments I now realize she should just let nature take its course. Cheers ladies!!

If there is no medical reason why a c section is needed then why on earth would you want to choose to have a major op just because you can't be bothered to push? The recovery time won't be any quicker even if they do say it's safer nowadays.

It's a major abdominal operation and should never be chosen lightly. The recovery time alone should put everyone off, along with the fact that any subsequent pregnancies have to be closely monitored because c-sections leave a weakness where the scar is. It should never be offered unless for medical reasons in my opinion.

Sections may be safer than they previously were, but they are still a major form of surgery. As a result, it takes women weeks to recover from the surgery. During those first crucial days of bonding, the woman cannot even lift her baby and she won't be allowed to drive a car for weeks. Also, people seem to forget the effects on the baby. Babies born by section are still more likely to need extra care after the birth.
Aside from the medical arguments against elective sections, the NHS cannot afford to ignore the economic ones. We've all read about shortage of beds in maternity units and lack of money generally. Sections are more expensive than natural births and the mothers will have to stay longer in the hospital. We do not have the resources to cope with an big increase in sections. I think there should be an element of personal choice available, but should the taxpayer should be carrying the cost of what is ultimately a lifestyle choice? Sections are an amazing procedure that have saved the lives of many babies and their mothers, but should not be taken lightly.

That is one of the daftest decisions ever made. C-sections should remain an operation when there is a danger for mother and/or child.

In what other situation would the NHS do an optional procedure? Given the budget constraints I think this is a ridculous idea. Save the theatres for mothers and babies whose lives depend on a caesarian (I'm speaking as someone who had an emergency section this summer)

I don't for a moment think it's in the best interest of the mother and baby but at the convenience of the hospital to MANAGE births, (which are unpredictable). It will be births BY APPOINTMENT!

Soon nothing in this country will be natural.. including birth...

Ridiculous idea, c-section is an operation afterall, should be last resort.

if this procedure is going to be offered to women who dont have a medical reason for doing so, they should sign a waver so the national health does not get the bill if something goes wrong , after all the decision is theirs , i personaly see that a lot of women dont want a natural birth because of the stretching it gives the vagina,. ladies i know im a mear man but im told it all goes back to where it should , and a rule of thumb is dont let a surgeons knife touch you unless there is a good and valid reason.

Ive had 2 c sections and can honestly say the first few weeks after were horrid!! I dont think that c sections should be given as an option unless there is risk to the mother or baby. To opt for a section should be a private matter, NHS resources are stretched enough without adding the cost of unneccessary surgery!!

waste of money and already stretched resources if you dont need one for medical reasons why have one?

but, isn't passage through the birth canal better for the *baby*, in terms of the immune system?

More NHS money down the drain and the risk of infection from MRSA in these filthy hospitals that cant even afford decent cleaners that are trained to disinfect the place properly.

My wife has M.S. and NICE would'nt sanction the drugs her GP recommended for her condition because of cost.
Now they are quite prepared to throw money at people who dont want to go through the natural childbirth.
Any operation should only be carried out for medical reasons and nothing else, not on the whim of a mother to be.
While I dont begrudge anybody treatment of any kind, it must surely be deemed to be medically necessary