Calls Grow in Egypt to Reverse Rising Caesarean Section Rates, Prioritize Natural Birth
Cairo – A growing chorus of medical professionals in Egypt are advocating for a significant shift in obstetric practices, pushing for reduced rates of caesarean sections and renewed support for natural childbirth. Concerns over maternal health complications and escalating healthcare costs are fueling the movement, with proposed solutions ranging from expanded birthing centers to revised financial incentives for doctors.
Currently, Egypt experiences a high rate of caesarean deliveries, exceeding World Health Organization recommendations. Proponents of natural birth emphasize its benefits for both mother and child.Natural birth strengthens uterine, pelvic, and abdominal muscles, stimulates oxytocin secretion – crucial for labor and mother-child bonding – and equips newborns with stronger respiratory systems and improved adaptation skills for life outside the womb. Conversely, caesarean sections carry potential long-term health risks for mothers.
Several doctors are proposing concrete steps to address the issue. Key recommendations include establishing more natural birth units within hospitals, equipped with continuous fetal monitoring devices and pain relief options. A revival of the conventional role of midwives – providing extended support to pregnant women throughout labor and deferring to physicians only in cases of complications – is also being championed.
Financial incentives are under discussion, with suggestions to align doctors’ compensation for normal births more closely with that of caesarean sections. Furthermore, the implementation of clear medical protocols is proposed to ensure clinical necessity dictates the method of delivery.”Reducing the rates of cesarean delivery in Egypt is no longer an option but rather an urgent necessity to maintain the health of mothers and newborn,” stated a recent analysis of the issue. Advocates argue that a return to normal birth will not only reduce medical complications and improve public health but also alleviate the economic burden on families and the national healthcare system, provided sufficient infrastructure and public awareness are in place.