Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Researchers from the Quali-Dec project have analysed all published studies from around the world that have compared the health outcomes of mothers and newborns according to the mode of delivery.

There is often a lack of information about the risks associated with each method. This is why QUALI-DEC is making the results of these studies available to you, including a downloadable guide and app to help you make the right decision. Nevertheless, the latest research clearly shows that there are more complications for both mother and baby after a caesarean section, even if it is planned.

Feel free to discuss with your doctor the possibilities of a vaginal delivery for your situation:

– Take the time to weigh up the pros and cons of a planned caesarean section or a natural birth with your doctor.

– If you still have questions about the benefits of a vaginal delivery, you can seek a second opinion from another practitioner.

If a scheduled caesarean section is decided upon, it is important to schedule it after 39 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the risk of respiratory distress in the baby after birth. Keep in mind that labour may start spontaneously before the scheduled caesarean date. In this case, your doctor will reassess the possibility of a vaginal delivery.

Are you pregnant and wondering how you will give birth? Do you prefer a scheduled caesarean section before the onset of labour even though your doctor says it is not particularly necessary or do you want to attempt a vaginal delivery despite your doctor’s recommendation that you need a caesarean section? This booklet will help you to understand the advantages and disadvantages of both options and will help you to communicate better with your doctor.

Quali-Dec is a project born from the joint work of the IRD (Institute for Research and Development) and its partners. Since 2020, the IRD has been conducting this project in the form of a consortium in 9 countries with a scientific research fieldwork that covers 4 countries: Argentina, Burkina Faso, Thailand and Vietnam.

It is based on the often alarming observation that there is too much recourse to Caesarean sections as a method of delivery.

Quali-Dec provides pregnant women, their relatives, health professionals with non-clinical tools and researchers with evaluation studies to improve the decision to have a caesarean section.

Despite strong awareness among women and health professionals, the practice of caesarean sections is constantly on the rise, worldwide (+35% on average over the last 25 years).

This growth is often related to a choice of comfort and not to medical reasons.

Sometimes, for medical reasons, a planned caesarean section before the start of labour is necessary. However, it is usually possible to attempt a natural birth, which has many advantages over a caesarean section.

There are many misconceptions about the safety and presumed benefits of Caesarean section, but also about the fact that a woman should give birth vaginally no matter what.