The caesarean section rate in the Republic of Ireland in 1998

Abstract

The Caesarean section (CS) rate has risen dramatically in the United Kingdom and North America over the past 20 years. There are no recent data in the Republic of Ireland on CS rates. Our aim was to ascertain the national CS rate for the year 1998. In addition, we sought to determine instrumental delivery rates and epidural rates. Twenty-two of 24 units replied to a questionnaire giving a response rate of 92%. The CS rate was 17.8% (12.8-26.7%), 7.5% were elective and 10.3% were emergency. The size or type of the maternity unit did not influence the CS rate. The cause for the rise in the CS rate is multifactorial. Review of the current literature would suggest that a further rise in the CS rate in Ireland is likely.