TL;DR: C-sections surpass natural births globally, with major medical and cultural impacts
For the first time, C-section deliveries outnumber natural births worldwide, now accounting for over 21% of deliveries globally and expected to rise to 29% by 2030. Factors include older maternal age, IVF-related multiple births, safety during complications, patient preferences, and healthcare system practices. C-sections offer predictability but come with increased recovery times and risks, while natural births have benefits like faster recovery and better mother-baby bonding. Expectant mothers should weigh medical advice and personal preferences carefully. Stay informed, prioritize health, and explore wellness resources like MELA AI to make mindful decisions for pregnancy and beyond.
In a historic shift, C-section deliveries have become more common than natural births for the first time in recorded history. This trend is revolutionizing the global conversation around childbirth, with implications for mothers, healthcare systems, and public health policies worldwide.
Why Are C-section Deliveries Rising Around the World?
Globally, C-sections now make up over 21% of all childbirths, with projections indicating that nearly a third (29%) of all births could be conducted by Caesarean section by 2030, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States alone, the percentage of live births by C-section reached 32.3% in 2023, making it the most common method of delivery.
Regions like Latin America and the Caribbean lead this trend, with countries such as Brazil and the Dominican Republic reporting C-section rates as high as 43% of all births. Closer to home in Europe, NHS England data from 2024-2025 shows that C-sections accounted for 45% of deliveries, overtaking natural vaginal births at 44%, with 11% attributed to assisted births using forceps or ventouse.
What’s Driving the Shift to C-section Births?
The rise in C-section deliveries is the result of both medical advancements and cultural shifts.
Older Maternal Age: Women are waiting longer to have children, with first-time mothers aged 30 and over now more likely to opt for or require a C-section. Among women aged 40 and above in England, 59% of births were conducted via C-section.
Fertility Treatments: More multiple-birth pregnancies from IVF and other treatments contribute to higher C-section rates, given the associated risks with delivering twins or triplets naturally.
Medical Safety: Complications such as prolonged labor, gestational diabetes, and placenta previa often necessitate surgical deliveries to safeguard both mother and baby.
Patient Preferences: Elective or planned C-sections are becoming increasingly common, as mothers seek to avoid prolonged labor or specific complications. Elective surgeries currently account for more than 40% of all C-section births in developed nations.
Healthcare Systems and Accessibility: In some countries, private sector healthcare promotes surgical deliveries, sometimes as a more profitable or time-controlled option. For instance, in Brazil’s private sector, C-sections account for up to 90% of births.
Are C-section Births Healthier or Riskier?
C-sections come with their own set of benefits and risks. For many women, opting for a C-section can provide clarity and control over the delivery process. It eliminates the unpredictability of natural labor and can pose less immediate stress during complications.
However, there are drawbacks. Surgical deliveries often result in longer recovery times and carry greater risks for infections, blood clots, and complications in future pregnancies. Furthermore, studies suggest that babies born via C-section are more likely to face respiratory difficulties and require neonatal intensive care in the first days of life.
Natural births, on the other hand, are linked to faster recovery times for mothers and lower rates of complications in subsequent pregnancies. The hormonal rush from vaginal births also helps newborns adjust swiftly to breathing and promotes early bonding between mother and baby.
What Does This Trend Mean for Healthcare Systems?
The growing preference for C-sections poses new challenges for healthcare providers. High C-section rates can strain resources, require specialized training for medical teams, and lead to a higher demand for surgical facilities. Public health authorities like the World Health Organization are now calling for stricter practices to avoid what they label as “unnecessary C-sections,” which can place extra pressure on already overwhelmed healthcare systems.
Efforts such as the Healthy People 2030 initiative in the United States aim to reduce C-section rates among low-risk, first-time pregnancies by 23.6%. Similarly, NHS hospitals in the UK are being encouraged to follow best practices and promote natural births whenever feasible.
How Does This Impact Childbirth Planning for Mothers?
With childbirth evolving, the decision between a natural birth and a C-section is becoming more complex. Women now balance medical advice with personal preference, often influenced by cultural context and technological advances in prenatal care.
To make informed decisions, it’s critical for expectant mothers to understand why a C-section may or may not be necessary. Many hospitals now offer thorough consultations, where options are discussed openly, including the pros and cons of each method.
Diners in Malta who are focused on wellness and longevity may find this trend particularly thought-provoking. It highlights the importance of mindful choices, even when it comes to life-changing decisions like childbirth.
Final Thoughts and Resources for Mothers-to-be
As health trends worldwide evolve, being informed remains the most powerful tool for mothers planning their deliveries. The rise in C-section births underscores the need for education, access to quality healthcare, and an open dialogue between expecting women and their healthcare providers.
For those navigating pregnancy in Malta or globally, looking into resources like MELA AI can also inspire a health-conscious mindset. At MELA AI, diners find options for nutritious meals that support wellness through all stages of life, including pregnancy. Explore MELA Cuisines to find a health-focused restaurant near you.
By staying aware of global trends, whether in health or food, you can make proactive choices for your well-being. Every small decision, from how you nourish yourself to how you plan for life transitions, contributes to a greater sense of health and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shift to C-section Deliveries
Why are C-sections becoming more common globally?
C-sections are now a significant global trend, accounting for over 21% of all childbirths, with projections indicating that nearly 29% of births will be performed via C-section by 2030, according to the World Health Organization. Factors driving this include an increase in older maternal age, rising use of fertility treatments leading to multiple births, and medical complications like gestational diabetes and placenta previa. Cultural shifts also play a role, as more women opt for elective C-sections to avoid prolonged labor or potential complications. In the private healthcare sector of countries like Brazil, C-sections account for up to 90% of births, showing how accessibility and preferences intertwine to shape global childbirth trends.
Are there any health risks associated with C-section deliveries?
While C-sections can provide lifesaving benefits during complicated pregnancies or labor, they are not without risks. Surgical deliveries often result in longer recovery times for mothers and increase the likelihood of infections, blood clots, and complications in future pregnancies. Babies delivered via C-section may face higher risks of neonatal intensive care due to respiratory issues. In contrast, vaginal births offer faster recovery for mothers, lower chances of complications in later pregnancies, and better respiratory adaptation for newborns. It’s essential for expectant mothers to consult their healthcare providers to discuss individualized risks and benefits.
How do maternal age and fertility treatments influence the rise in C-section rates?
Advances in medical technology have allowed women to delay childbirth to later ages, but older maternal age is tied to higher C-section rates. In the UK, women aged 40+ had a 59% C-section delivery rate in 2024-2025. Fertility treatments, such as IVF, lead to more multiple-birth pregnancies, which frequently require surgical intervention due to risks like preterm labor and placenta complications. These demographic and medical shifts significantly contribute to the global increase in C-section deliveries.
What is the role of elective C-sections in the rising trend?
Elective C-sections, where the procedure is planned in advance, account for over 40% of surgical births in developed nations. Many mothers prefer this option to avoid complications associated with natural labor, such as prolonged delivery or uncertainty in timing. Elective C-sections provide greater control over childbirth and eliminate many labor-related stresses. However, it’s vital for patients to evaluate this choice carefully with their doctors, as elective surgeries carry risks similar to emergency C-sections.
How is healthcare adapting to higher C-section rates?
The growing demand for C-sections is creating challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. Hospitals must allocate more resources to surgical facilities and provide specialized training for obstetric teams. Public health initiatives, such as Healthy People 2030 in the U.S., aim to reduce unnecessary C-sections among low-risk pregnancies. Similarly, NHS hospitals are implementing protocols to promote vaginal births wherever feasible, especially for first-time mothers. It’s critical for healthcare systems to balance patient preferences with resource optimization.
How can expectant mothers explore health-conscious dining during pregnancy?
Nutrition plays a key role in supporting pregnancy and recovery. For mothers-to-be in Malta looking for health-focused dining options, MELA AI is an excellent resource to explore restaurants that prioritize nutritious meals. MELA AI provides a directory of establishments recognized for their commitment to wellness through dishes designed for various life stages, including pregnancy. Finding the right nutrition ensures optimal health for both mother and baby during this transformative period.
How does the rise in C-section deliveries intersect with affordability and accessibility?
In countries with robust private healthcare sectors, such as Brazil, C-section rates in private hospitals are astronomically high, reaching 90% in some cases. While this makes surgical deliveries more accessible, it also raises concerns regarding affordability and potential overuse. In nations with public healthcare systems like the UK, the NHS is striving to strike a balance between offering safe delivery options and managing rising costs due to high C-section rates.
What are the global trends in childbirth, and how can they guide dining and wellness choices in Malta?
Childbirth practices reflect broader lifestyle shifts, pushing expectant mothers to prioritize choices that promote health and wellness. Malta residents who focus on overall well-being can use platforms like MELA AI – Malta Restaurants Directory to achieve balanced nutrition during pregnancy. MELA AI-listed establishments often feature menus with low-inflammatory options, critical minerals like iron and magnesium, and dishes with high protein content for recovery.
Are assisted vaginal births decreasing in popularity?
Yes, assisted vaginal deliveries using forceps or ventouse currently account for only 11% of all births in NHS England (2024, 2025), compared to the dominance of C-section births at 45%. While assisted births can prevent surgical intervention, their decline mirrors growing preferences for surgical control among women over 30, especially for first-time mothers who are cautious of prolonged labor risks and complications.
How can MELA AI help mothers and families prioritize health-conscious restaurant choices?
Explore MELA Cuisines to find establishments near you that prioritize quality, balanced meals perfect for pregnancy and motherhood. MELA AI connects diners with restaurants offering nutritious Mediterranean dishes tailored to life’s important transitions. Using MELA’s platform, families in Malta can easily access menus that cater to dietary preferences, whether they’re monitoring sodium intake or ensuring sufficient protein for recovery postpartum.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
