Women are now being given the option for the type of birth
Women are to be given the option of having a caesarean, even if there are no medical grounds for it, according to new NHS guidelines.
A review said women who are anxious about childbirth should have their 'fears taken seriously' and be offered mental health support.
Once they've talked through the implications and been warned about the risks of the operation, if they do in fact still want one, then they should be granted one, says the new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
NICE says new evidence and changes in clinical practices means it is necessary to update regulations.
Malcolm Griffiths, a consultatnt obstetrician and gynaecologist who led the development of the guidelines, says: "Caesarean section is a major operation, it's about as major as a hysterectomy.
"It's not a major operation that most pregnant women are interested in or want to have."
Women take longer to recover from a caesarean than a straightforward natural birth, and it can have implications for future pregnancies.
Currently one in four births is by caesarean. Between a third and half are planned, usually because of medical reasons.
Deputy chief executive Dr Gillian Leng says: "This guideline is not about giving free caesareans for all on the NHS.
"It is about ensuring that women give birth in the way that is most appropriate for them and their babies."
Tagged in Women's Health