Rise in caesarean section births in Gaza brings danger and infection risks
The ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza have led to a rise in caesarean section births, increasing risks for mothers due to poor medical conditions and lack of resources. Pregnant women face severe challenges including malnutrition, trauma, and limited access to proper healthcare, contributing to more emergency surgeries. The collapse of the health system, combined with shortages of medical supplies and increased complications from delayed hospital arrivals, has made caesarean sections more common despite heightened dangers of infection and poor recovery conditions.
- ▪Duha Abu Yousef, a displaced pregnant woman in Gaza, underwent an emergency caesarean section due to severe anemia caused by prolonged food shortages and malnutrition.
- ▪Caesarean sections now account for about 25 percent of births in Gaza, a 2 percent increase since the war began, according to Dr Fathi al-Dahdouh.
- ▪Doctors report that trauma, loss of family members, and limited access to prenatal care are contributing to higher-risk pregnancies and more emergency surgeries.
- ▪Medical shortages, including lack of fetal monitoring devices and labour-inducing medications, are limiting options for natural childbirth in Gaza.
- ▪Pregnant women in Gaza face heightened risks of complications such as placental abruption due to bombardments and physical injuries.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Features|GazaRise in caesarean section births in Gaza brings danger and infection risksCaesarean Awareness Month is observed in April. Conditions in Gaza can lead to risks for mothers who undergo the procedure.ListenListen (6 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoDuha Abu Yousef worries about her post-caesarean recovery due to the lack of clean water, proper bedding and privacy [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/ Al Jazeera]By Maram HumaidPublished On 30 Apr 202630 Apr 2026Gaza City, Gaza Strip – On a mattress placed on the floor of a half-destroyed apartment, Duha Abu Yousef sits holding her newborn baby with great difficulty after an emergency caesarean section was performed following her arrival at a hospital…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Al Jazeera English.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Al Jazeera English
