Planned Caesarean births 'doubles risk of depression'
The study, which involved 2,000 women in Dublin's main maternity hospitals, is the first major report of its kind in the country to highlight the possible health effects of planned births.
It comes amid concern about the growing popularity of what has been dubbed "too posh to push syndrome" women who are choosing not to give birth naturally.
Master of the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Dr Mike Geary, who was involved in the study, said the increase in depression among the women surveyed was "significant".
He said the results confirm smaller studies already published in reputable medical journals.
Dr Geary said a growing number of women were requesting a planned Caesarean. But he said the reasons why women were opting out of natural vaginal births needed to be explored beforehand.
"It is important that women are aware of the risks now confirmed in the study," he said.
Dr Geary said hospitals did consider requests for planned C-sections in a small number of cases. If a woman had a genuine fear of childbirth, the issue was explored and discussed in a balanced manner.
"If it does transpire that a planned Caesarean section is the right decision, it is informed consent," he said.
The number of Irish women giving birth by Caesarean section in the past 15 years has tripled, with C-sections accounting for 25% of all births.
This compares to 20% in Britain and the US and 35% in Brazil.
Northern European countries such as Norway and Sweden have brought their Caesarean rates to below 10% without damaging the consequences for child or mother.
The World Health Organisation has suggested the target rate for a country should be around 15% and even lower for industrialised and developed countries.
Research carried out at the Coombe Women's Hospital found that giving birth naturally is better for both mother and baby.
The study, carried out by Dr Eleanor Molloy, found that labour helps boost the immune system of women and their babies.
