One in five babies in Belgium born by caesarean

The number of babies born by caesarean section in Europe varies greatly from country to country, suggesting that there is no consensus about when a caesarean is appropriate, according to a recent study. In Belgium, one in five babies are born by caesarean section, a relatively low number compared to other European countries, reports VRT Nieuws.

Researchers from City University London tracked the number of caesarean births in 26 European countries and found that the number varies greatly. Frontrunner is Cyprus, with more than half of the births by caesarean section, and Iceland has the lowest rate, with 14.8%.

The study shows that caesareans are more common in women who are first-time mothers, who are carrying twins, who have previously had a caesarean section, or where the baby is breech. But the question of when exactly a caesarean section becomes medically appropriate remains a topic of heated discussion.