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British women who want to give birth by caesarean section will be counseled by a psychiatrist
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft new guidance for doctors that women wishing to have a Caesarean section without a medical indication should be advised by a psychiatrist.
The reason for this initiative was the growing number of caesarean sections – over 30 years it has more than doubled and now accounts for about a quarter of all births in the country. At the same time, often the only reason for surgical birth is a woman’s fear of the psychological and physical consequences of natural childbirth – the so-called “too posh to push” syndrome.
The new guidelines will oblige obstetricians who encounter such pregnant women to refer them to a series of consultations with a psychiatrist or psychologist. During these consultations, the specialist will help women cope with their fears and agree to a natural birth.
In addition, they will be told about the possible complications of a cesarean section, including severe damage to the mother's organs and death of the child, so that patients can more sensibly assess all the risks and benefits of the operation. (According to some studies, the risk of death of a child with a cesarean section is almost twice as high as with a natural birth).
Additional disadvantages of a caesarean section include difficulty in forming an emotional bond between mother and child, a long period of postnatal rehabilitation in hospital and high cost (around £2,500 compared to £750 for a natural birth).
As the authors of the recommendations note, if a woman continues to insist on a cesarean section after consulting a psychiatrist or psychologist, she will not be denied the operation.
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