The 5 Most Common Reasons for C-Sections in Ireland
C-sections are becoming more common in Ireland, with rates continuing to rise. According to the latest data, nearly 1 in 3 births in Ireland are via C-section. This number has steadily increased over the years, making many parents wonder: Why are so many babies born by C-section?
As a doula, birth educator, and lactation consultant, I’ve worked with many Irish parents preparing for birth, and I see clear trends in the reasons given for C-sections. Some are necessary and lifesaving, but others may have been avoidable with the right knowledge and support.
If you're preparing for birth, it's helpful to understand why C-sections happen and what steps you can take to improve your chances of a vaginal birth (if that’s your goal).
Let’s break it down:
The 5 Most Common Reasons for C-Sections in Ireland
1. "Failure to Progress" in Labour
This is one of the most common reasons given for unplanned C-sections. It usually means:
Labour isn’t progressing quickly enough for hospital staff.
You haven’t dilated to 10cm within a certain timeframe.
You’ve been pushing for a long time without baby being born.
But here’s the thing— many Irish hospitals still follow outdated time limits for labour. International guidelines now recommend:
Active labour starts at 6cm, not 4cm.
At least 6 hours should be allowed to see if dilation continues before calling it "failure to progress."
There is no fixed time limit for pushing as long as baby and mother are doing well.
How to Avoid This:
✔ Choose a supportive care provider – Some Irish hospitals are much more patient with labour than others. Ask questions about their approach to labour timelines.
✔ Stay mobile – Walking, swaying, and upright positions help labour progress.
✔ Hire a doula – Having a doula can significantly lower your risk of C-section by advocating for your birth preferences.
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2. Fetal Heart Rate Concerns
Many Irish hospitals require continuous electronic monitoring (CTG) during labour, especially if you’re having a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). While monitoring can be useful, it also increases the risk of unnecessary interventions because:
CTG has a high false alarm rate – many babies experience temporary dips in heart rate that resolve on their own.
Lying on your back during monitoring can worsen heart rate issues – upright positions allow better oxygen flow to baby.
How to Avoid This:
✔ Ask for intermittent monitoring – If you are low-risk, you may not need continuous monitoring.
✔ Move as much as possible – Standing, kneeling, or using a birth ball can help baby stay well-oxygenated.
✔ Work with a birth-friendly midwife or consultant – Some are more willing to allow movement during monitoring.
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3. Baby’s Position (Breech or Malpresentation)
If your baby is breech (bottom-down) or in a poor position, most Irish hospitals will automatically recommend a C-section. However, many babies can be turned or birthed vaginally with the right support.
How to Avoid This:
✔ Spinning Babies techniques – These are simple exercises that encourage baby to move into an optimal position.
✔ Chiropractic care – The Webster Technique can help create more space in the pelvis for baby to turn.
✔ External Cephalic Version (ECV) – Some Irish hospitals offer this procedure to manually turn a breech baby at 37 weeks.
💡 Did you know? The National Maternity Hospital in Dublin is one of the only hospitals in Ireland that still supports vaginal breech birth with an experienced team.
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4. “Big Baby” or “Small Pelvis”
This is one of the most overused reasons for recommending a C-section in Ireland. If your consultant tells you:
“Your baby is measuring big.”
“Your pelvis is too small.”
… please get a second opinion!
True cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) (where baby truly can’t fit through the pelvis) is extremely rare. In reality, baby’s head moulds to fit through the pelvis, and the pelvis also widens naturally during birth.
How to Avoid This:
✔ Labour in upright positions – Squatting, standing, and hands-and-knees positions open the pelvis by up to 30%.
✔ Decline growth scans unless necessary – They are highly inaccurate in estimating baby’s size.
✔ Trust your body – Many women have birthed large babies vaginally with the right support.
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5. Placenta Complications (Previa or Accreta)
These are medical reasons for a C-section:
Placenta previa – The placenta covers the cervix, blocking baby’s exit.
Placenta accreta – The placenta grows too deeply into the uterus, making vaginal birth risky.
If you’ve had placenta previa or accreta before, it does not automatically mean you need a C-section next time. Every pregnancy is different, and placenta position is checked at every scan.
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How to Reduce Your Risk of C-Section in Ireland
You can’t control everything in birth, but you can take steps to reduce your chances of an unnecessary C-section.
1. Educate Yourself
Birth knowledge is power. Understanding how birth works helps you make informed choices if interventions are suggested.
📚 Recommended:
Take an evidence-based birth class (like my Empowered Birth course!).
Learn about Irish hospital policies – some hospitals are more supportive of VBACs than others.
2. Choose a Supportive Birth Team
Not all Irish maternity hospitals approach birth the same way. Find a consultant or midwife who supports your birth goals.
✔ Research your hospital’s C-section rates (some are much higher than others).
✔ Consider a home birth or midwife-led care if you’re low-risk.
3. Stay Active During Pregnancy
Movement optimises baby’s position and prepares your body for birth.
✔ Daily walks
✔ Prenatal yoga
✔ Sitting on a birth ball instead of a couch
4. Advocate for Yourself
If something doesn’t feel right, ask questions. You have the right to decline interventions, request second opinions, and make choices about your own birth.
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Final Thoughts
C-sections are sometimes necessary and lifesaving, but they should not be the default. By learning about your options, choosing the right birth team, and trusting your body, you can increase your chances of a vaginal birth.
If you want more support preparing for birth, I offer one-to-one coaching, online courses, and in-person doula support to help you feel confident and empowered.
💬 Thinking about a VBAC? Have questions about your birth options in Ireland? Let’s chat! Drop me an email on info@birthbabybeyond.ie or check out my courses listed in the menu bar.