Cesarean births in Saudi Arabia rise to 40%... and warnings of complications
The activities of the 31st conference of the Saudi Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, hosted by the city of Al-Khobar, sounded the alarm regarding the radical changes in birth patterns in the Kingdom, as recent statistics revealed a significant jump in cesarean birth to reach 40%, a figure that calls for a serious medical pause to review the protocols in place.
This announcement coincided with medical warnings about the increasing risks of critical complications, such as bleeding and preeclampsia, which now threaten about 8% of pregnant women, prompting medical elites to develop an urgent roadmap aimed at updating critical care protocols and reducing maternal mortality rates, in line with global standards.
Context of transition and reproductive health challenges
This rise in cesarean sections comes amidst a global and local context witnessing changes in medical practices and lifestyles. Historically, the rate did not exceed 5% in past decades, but reaching 40% presents the Kingdom with health challenges that require preventative strategies, given the potential for future complications such as placental abruption, as confirmed by the conference chair, Dr. Noura Al-Qahtani.
In detailing the figures, Al-Qahtani explained that cases of pre-eclampsia range from 3 to 5%, while severe bleeding poses a risk to 2 to 3% of pregnant women. Although these rates place the Kingdom among the leading countries in terms of maternal care, bleeding and infections remain the leading causes of maternal mortality globally, necessitating continued vigilance and caution.
Strategic solutions: From air evacuation to robotic surgery
The conference did not merely diagnose the problem; it also proposed innovative solutions to address the geographical challenges in the Kingdom, particularly in remote areas. Experts recommended adopting an "air medical evacuation" , drawing inspiration from the successful Australian experience in this field, to ensure the rapid transfer of critical cases to specialized referral centers, thereby increasing survival rates and reducing long-term complications.
On the technical front, the scientific program gained significant momentum with the participation of world-renowned surgeons from Switzerland, the UK, Turkey, and the UAE. The latest technologies were showcased, including robotic surgery and advanced gynecological endoscopy, as well as the revolutionary V-NOTE technique, which minimizes traditional surgical intervention and contributes to faster patient recovery.
Awareness and the goals of Vision 2030
The discussions emphasized that responsibility is shared between medical staff and community awareness. Early detection of preeclampsia by pregnant women is the crucial difference between safety and entering a dangerous situation. These efforts align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 Health Sector Transformation Program, which aims to enhance prevention and facilitate access to healthcare services.
Dr. Sharifa Al-Subyani, President of the Association, concluded the events by announcing the continuation of this mobile scientific journey, as the city of Abha was chosen to host the next edition of the conference in 2027 AD, to ensure the exchange of experiences and the unification of medical efforts in all regions of the Kingdom.
