Elective Caesarean section not good for babies

A Danish study on 34000 live births has found out that elective Caesarean section deliveries are more likely to cause breathing problems in babies. There was a fourfold increase in the risk of respiratory problems in elective C-section babies than those born naturally or by emergency sections.
The reason attributed is that these babies miss out on hormonal and physiological changes during labor which help mature the lungs. The WHO recommends that around 10-15% of deliveries need to be C-sections. However the world over these rates are easily surpassed. Experts have been calling for reduction in elective C-sections warning that it is a major operation. A recent study also demonstrated that women are four times more likely to die in childbirth if they opted for elective sections.
The earlier the C-section is performed the greater the risk of respiratory problems in babies. There was a fourfold increase in babies born by section at 37 weeks, a threefold increase in risk at 38 weeks and doubling of risk at 39 weeks. The researchers concluded that fewer babies would develop these risks if elective C-sections were put off till after the 39th week. A lot of women are completely unaware that elective C-sections can harm their babies. The decision to have sections should not be taken lightly and should be based on medical grounds. Obstetricians in the UK are in fact advised not to carry out sections till after the 39th week of gestation.