Caesarean section rates in South Africa recklessly high, warn experts

Up to 90% of pregnant private hospital patients opt for C-section in parts of Cape Town, far exceeding WHO limit of 15%

More than two in three South African mothers in private hospitals give birth by caesarean section, way above the international average, research has shown.

Experts estimate that in wealthy areas 80% choose to have a caesarean, and in some hospitals in Cape Town the rate exceeds 90%, despite the cost being higher than a natural birth. The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises a maximum of 15% caesareans per country.

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from Pregnancy | The Guardian http://ift.tt/ZLayHw