London: New recommendations by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) have stated that it is vital to provide counseling to expecting mothers wishing to opt for caesarian child birth.
NICE reveals that the caesarean rate has almost doubled from 13 pc in 1992 to 23 pc in 2008-09.
According to the guidance, when a woman requests a caesarean her obstetrician and other medical professionals should discuss the respective risks and benefits with her.
It also suggests that a woman fearing childbirth should be offered a referral to a "healthcare professional with expertise in providing perinatal mental-health support to help her address her fears in a supportive manner".
Only if a vaginal birth is still "not an acceptable option" should her request for a caesarean be granted.
"Recent evidence shows that a caesarean section is not necessarily the best course of action in some cases," the Independent quoted Christine Carson, the programme director at NICE as saying.
Furthermore, research shows that women having a caesarean spend longer in hospital.
ANI
