Older mothers and the high rate of obesity in Ireland partially account for the significant number of Irish mothers who have caesarean sections, the Oireachtas has heard. 

Yesterday, National Women and Infants Health Programme clinical director Dr Cliona Murphy told TDs and Senators that over 400 women over the age of 45 give birth in Ireland every year. 

She added that a patient’s weight “will sometimes reduce the chance of having an unassisted delivery”, resulting in a c-section. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, consultant obstetrician Professor Jennifer Donnelly said that around 50 children are born worldwide via caesarean section and it is the “most frequently performed major surgical procedure worldwide”. 

 Despite this, she added the procedure has "varying levels” across the world. 

In 2024, Eurostat reported that 41% of Irish mothers give birth via c-section - one of the highest figures in Europe. 

“In the Nordic countries, which is often discussed as kind of as a low C-section rate area and, certainly, they have a much lower rate,” Professor Donnelly said. 

“Italy has a higher C-section rate to us [and] would have a similar kind of population. 

“As well as Poland, also having rates in the 40s, whereas Ireland overall has rates in the mid to late 30s. 

“[Although] it varies unit by unit.” 

A nurse caring for newborn baby after childbirth. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Professor Donnelly explained there are a variety of factors behind the high rate of c-sections. 

“In Ireland, the rates for women giving birth who are in the obese or overweight range can be up to 30%,” she said. 

“And this can result in additional complications, which can lead to increased risk of Caesarian birth. 

“Whereas in other countries, they have lower rates of obesity.”

Professor Donnelly added that weight is “not the only reason”, with some women proactively choosing to have a c-section. 

“There's also an increased rate in women giving birth for the first time and that's happening at older ages [when] there are increased risks of complications of obstetric complications,” she said. 

“Also, it's really important to include women's choice and their autonomy and decision making. 

“And because of these factors, some women may choose to give birth by cesarean.” 

Main image: A baby born by C-section. Picture by: Alamy.com.