Although many medical doctors and hospitals consider a cesarean section a "normal" and routine method of delivery, other experts say the procedure is performed far too often.

According to the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA), the World Health Organization (WHO) states that no region in the world is justified in having a cesarean rate greater than 10-15%.

A "c-section" is considered by the ICEA as major abdominal surgery which poses "documented medical risks to the mother's health, including infections, hemorrhage, transfusion, injury to other organs, anesthesia complications, psychological complications, and a maternal mortality two to four times greater than that for a vaginal birth."

Now, a new research report, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, reveals that there are dangers to the baby as well.

Researchers found that the incidence of pulmonary hypertension among newborns delivered by cesarean section is almost five times higher than the rate for babies delivered vaginally.

The risk to newborns has already been discussed in the medical community.

The ICEA notes: "An elective cesarean section increases the risk to the infant of premature birth and respiratory distress syndrome, both of which are associated with multiple complications, intensive care and burdensome financial costs. Even with mature babies, the absences of labor increases the risk of breathing problems and other complications."

Although some cesarean sections are justified by the medical situation, others are unnecessary, says the ICEA. Of particular concern is the outdated but still followed rule of "once a cesarean, always a cesarean." Many doctors still feel that if a woman has given birth via a c-section in the past, she requires that procedure for each pregnancy.

Reasons for the higher-than-necessary rate of cesarean sections vary.

"Cesarean sections are sometimes performed for other than maternal or fetal well-being, such as avoidance of patient pain, patient or provider convenience, provider legal concerns or provider financial incentives," says the ICEA.

The ICEA notes: "Rates are higher for women who have private medical insurance, are private rather than public clinic patients, are older, are married, have higher levels of education and are in a higher socio-economic bracket."

SOURCES: "Mode of Delivery and Risk of Respiratory Diseases in Newborns, Obstetrics & Gynecology, March 2001.