Rising trends in caesarean section rates: an issue of major concern in Nigeria

Caesarean section rates have been on the increase for the past decades. Reasons for this increase and the danger it portends, especially in developing countries, are evaluated.

Literature on caesarean sections performed in various centres in Nigeria and Western countries were retrieved through manual library search.

There has been a progressive rise in caesarean section rates from the 1970s up to 2002, from 9.4% to 34.6%. Measures to reduce this rising rates were discussed.

There is great need to reduce the caesarean section rate in Nigeria. There should be a clear and unquestionable indication for caesarean section in any patient.