Second time mums opting for caesareans

More second time mums are asking for c-sections.

Increasing numbers of mums-to-be pregnant with their second child are requesting to have a caesarean, reports the Guardian.

Maternity wards across the country have reported an increase in the number of mums choosing to have a caesarean with their second child after difficult first labour experiences.

Midwives at Liverpool Women’s Hospital say they have seen an increase of 40%, with St Mary’s hospital in Manchester, Stepping Hill in Stockport and Birmingham Women’s Hospital also recognising an increase.

A consultant midwife at Liverpool Women’s hospital says the fear of childbirth (called Tocophobia) is a distressing psychological disorder that women can sometimes develop after going through a traumatic labour.

To help combat the rising figures, the NHS have set up specialist birth trauma support clinics across the UK to help expectant mums with their fears.  They hope these centres will reduce the number of elective caesareans.

"There is a worry that, with the increasing birthrate, there are just not enough midwives. If women don't have support throughout their labours, then they are more likely to feel they have been let down and left alone, and had too little information and explanation, so are more likely to end up feeling traumatised,” said Cathy Warwick, from of the Royal College of Midwives.

Cathy adds that she believes the NHS would need at least 3,000 more midwives to properly help women during labour.

The Birth Trauma Association also noted an increase in the number of women contacting their charity for help via their helpline, email and Facebook.

"An awful lot of women in Britain suffer birth trauma and lack of care explains the high prevalence," said Maureen Treadwell, from for The Birth Trauma Association.