Caesarean births show fall in North

Less women are electing to have a caesarean section in Northland.

Fewer Northland women are giving birth by caesarean section, with figures showing a decrease by almost 5 per cent last year.

The rate of natural births dropped by 2 per cent compared to the previous year. According to data released by the Northland District Health Board, there were 308 caesarean sections carried out in 2014 - 15 less than in 2013. Meanwhile, there were 1547 natural births in the region, down 29 on 2013.

Northland midwife Caro Foster said caesarean sections took place only when "really needed".

"A lot of consideration is given as to whether a caesarean is the right option and it's not done without an obstetric appointment," she said.

"They are only really undertaken when there is a medical indication to do so. But when they are needed, they really are needed."

Ms Foster said every case was different and ultimately it was up to an obstetrician to decide if a caesarean was necessary.

"[Natural] delivery is the best option of care but at the end of the day each case is unique and maybe there are some cases where caesarean sections are most appropriate."

Nationwide, the number of caesarean sections in 2014 have not been collated. However, midwifery advisor at the New Zealand College of Midwives Lesley Dixon said any decline in the number of caesareans would be a positive thing.

"It is very positive if rates are going down. C-sections have their place and can ensure the safety of mother and baby. But when there are large increases or high levels of c-sections, that means there are more risks to mother and child," she said.

"Caesarean sections carry risks. For the baby, there is increased risks of mortality and ill health. For the mother, there is an increase in bleeding, and risk of infection and blood clots. There is also more difficulty bonding with their child and breastfeeding initiation."

Ms Dixon said there was a time and place for the procedure when there was an issue during pregnancy or during birth.

"Most women are able to have a natural birth but clearly there are some women who need to have a c-section. [Caesarean operations] have a place for some women. We don't know what level is the optimum level but obviously c-sections are vital in some instances to ensure the health of a mother and her baby but it is a balance," she said.

"If we do too many unnecessarily then we can increase the risk of health issues with mothers and their babies."

Ms Dixon said women were always encouraged to try to give birth naturally.

"Midwives always talk to women about trying to have a natural birth and trying to reduce interventions so they are less likely to need a caesarean section," she said.

"It's about making women understand the importance of having a natural birth and when we talk to women, most of them want to have a natural birth."

Ms Dixon said it wasn't common for New Zealand women to elect a caesarean unless there was an issue during pregnancy. NZME.