Programme with global reach aiming to support safer Caesarian-sections
A £2.2million joint-initiative led by a Consultant Obstetrician at our Women’s Hospital is aiming to help women across the globe and prevent deaths related to Caesarean-sections for mothers in developing nations.
Professor Shakila Thangaratinam, who is also Professor of Maternal and Perinatal Health at the University of Birmingham (UOB), is part of the ‘C-Safe’ Programme, working alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO), UOB and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).
The five-year initiative will work alongside professionals, pregnant women and health systems across the world - firstly focusing on India and Tanzania covering 30,000 births.
It’s striving towards increasing understanding by accurately reporting the reasons behind option for a caesarean-section birth to help develop preventative measures against unnecessary procedures to lead to reduce the risk of serious and potentially fatal complications for mothers and babies, along with preventing longer-term health problems that affect quality of life and ability to have more children safely.
Around 1 in 4 pregnant women in the UK has a caesarean birth - an operation to deliver baby through a cut made in the tummy and womb. Although a major procedure, which carries associated risks, it’s safe and is only carried out when it’s the best option.
However, in countries classed as ‘low and middle income’ (LMIC) the risk of complication, particular to women who have previously undergone one or multiple C-sections increases significantly. In fact, it goes up by 100 times when compared to high income countries.
Professor Thangaratinam explained: “Many issues contribute to the high burden of unsafe and unnecessary Caesarean sections in LMICs. There is no single solution to this complex problem and we need a concerted strategy to improve the safety of such procedures; ensuring they are only done when needed.
“We will work with women, their support networks, and healthcare providers to develop interventions that reduce the risk of Caesarean sections in LMICs – ultimately helping to save thousands of lives.
“C-Safe will ensure Caesarean sections are done for the right reasons, as well as improving their safety and promoting safe, respectful care in labour resulting in vaginal births, including safe delivery with instruments.”