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MVALIGURSKY
Researchers suggest that changes in average adult height between the 1970s and 1990s could explain about a third of the worldwide variation in Caesarean section rates, according to a study published today (February 6) in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The researchers hypothesize that height increases may stem from improved living conditions, which could provide better nutrition and environment for the neonate and lead to an overly large fetus in relation to the mother—a situation that can prohibit vaginal delivery.
The authors argue that this points to a biological basis for the increase in caesarean deliveries and should encourage a shift in how clinicians and the World Health Organization (WHO) propose optimal C-section rates. Because the difficulty of labor could vary globally due to differences in the rates of height change, ideal C-section rates should be country-specific, the researchers add.
But experts question the importance of ...
