Caesarean section: summary of updated NICE guidance

In England, rates of caesarean section have increased from 9% of births in 1980 to 24.8% in 2010. The indications for the procedure vary. Healthcare professionals have to provide evidence based information for women about the risks and benefits of both planned and unplanned caesarean section. To advise women appropriately they also need to be aware of specific indications for caesarean section, effective management to avoid unnecessary caesarean section and reduce morbidity from caesarean section, and birth after a caesarean section. This article summarises the most recent recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on caesarean section. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]