Aze.US
The number of births delivered by cesarean section in Azerbaijan has been steadily increasing, prompting concern among obstetricians who emphasize that the procedure should be performed primarily for medical necessity rather than personal preference.
Fear of Pain and Perception of Safety
Medical specialists say one of the main drivers behind the growing preference for cesarean delivery is the fear of labor pain.
Many expectant mothers view surgery as a more predictable and comfortable option, despite the fact that it remains a major abdominal operation carrying risks such as:
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infection
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bleeding
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anesthesia-related complications
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longer recovery time
As a result, short-term comfort may come with greater medical exposure.
Health Benefits of Natural Birth
Doctors underline that vaginal delivery provides several physiological advantages for newborns:
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exposure to maternal microbiota that supports immune development
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compression of the chest that helps clear lung fluid and reduces breathing issues
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earlier skin-to-skin contact with the mother
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faster initiation of breastfeeding
These factors can influence early-life health outcomes.
Impact of Modern Prenatal Diagnostics
The rise in cesarean procedures is not driven solely by maternal choice. Advances in prenatal diagnostics and the widespread use of ultrasound allow physicians to identify potential complications earlier, leading to more planned surgical deliveries when risks are detected.
In such cases, the decision is typically made by a medical team to protect both mother and child.
Between Medical Need and Social Trend
Experts note that the growing share of cesarean births reflects not only clinical realities but also broader social attitudes toward childbirth, risk management, and control over the delivery process.
Even so, the core medical principle remains unchanged: the method of delivery should be determined by clinical judgment, not convenience.