A Caesarean section is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby's or mother's life or health at risk, although in recent times it has also been performed upon request for childbirths that could otherwise have been natural.[1][2][3] In recent years, the rate has risen to a record level of 46% in China and to levels of 25% and above in many Asian, European and Latin American countries.[4] In 2007, in the United States, the Caesarean section rate was 31.8%.[5]Across Europe, there are significant differences between countries: inItaly the Caesarean section rate is 40%, while in the Nordic countriesit is only 14%.[6]
