There were about 58,000 abnormal births in the Kingdom last year, according to the most recent report from the Ministry of Health. Total births in the Kingdom were almost 250,000, with around 190,000 of them had no complications. Obstetrics and gynecology consultant Khalaf Saleh explained that the ratio of abnormal births has begun to rise significantly in recent years. In some hospitals, the numbers reached more than half of all births. "There are several reasons, namely when mothers desire to get pregnant through IVF and or multiple embryos. Also, the rise of marriage and childbearing age over 35 years and other factors where doctors avoid natural childbirth are among the reasons," Saleh said. Gynecologist Faiza Jalil believes that the doctor and the mother are the ones who are best placed to make the decision on caesarean section. In some cases, the need for a C-section is decided at the time of pregnancy itself. But in some cases a C-section is decided only after the beginning of birth pangs due to the condition of mother's health or the status and position of the fetus. "Doctors often resort to Caesarean births to avoid any health problems that may expose the mother and her unborn child to dangers," Jalil said. He also said that Caesarean sections had become a favorite of mothers and doctors and are often opted by some mothers during pregnancy.
