Alexis i think the problem is that they tell the MUM she has enough problems to NEED a c/s and then put it in the stats as elective. My friend just had an "elective" because she nearly died after her first birth (vaginal, forceps, massive haematoma, 3 operations, 15 units of blood needed over 3 days) and he said she was "risking her life" to try for vaginal (glossing over that fact that it was the FORCEPS, not the baby, which caused the initial damage). Her notes said "elective c-section, previous trauma, query CPD" which is a joke since her first baby was 6lbs, had a 34cm head and CAME OUT of her vagina! He was posterior and she'd had an epi and couldn't move and he got stuck at a funny angle - such a common story really. Anyway, from her POV there was no way she should have a VBAC, but he put "elective" on her notes to cover his bum, because 90% of "emergency" c-sections in the UK have been found to be performed between 9am and 4pm monday to thursday and people are beginning to question that.

So basically i think that the obs are not informing the women and many "elective" c-sections were not at ALL elective from the woman's POV. As many obs will say - "the only c-section i got sued for was the one i didn't do". There is a perception in society and in courts that the MOST and BEST a doctor can do is a section, so they are quick to cut. It's as simple as that.

Bx