Scalp injury during birth is a risk commonly associated with all cesarean deliveries, and therefore good reason to discourage women from choosing surgery, when in fact the vast majority occur following a planned vaginal delivery.I explained this in the comments section of today's Daily Mail article, Caesarean 'superknife' that could spare thousands of babies from injury when surgeons cut through the mother's womb:
"Although the article talks about this being a risk with caesarean births, it's important to understand that the risk for babies is actually greatest with a planned natural birth than with a planned caesarean birth. Here's why:
The 2004-05 NHS Maternity Statistics, England, state, "Birth injury to scalp accounted for 0.9% (est. 5,400) births but none related to elective caesarean.”
The 2005-06 NHS Maternity Statistics, England states, "There were very few such cases where delivery was spontaneous, or where the baby was delivered by caesarean section; but scalp injury was reported in about 5% of instrumental deliveries.
The 2010-11 NHS Maternity Statistics, England has a table that reads, "Birth injury to scalp, 1% (n.6,659). This increased risk with planned natural birth is evident in published research too."
(Note: I have to write 'natural' in comments because the word 'vaginal' isn't accepted.)
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