In February 2025, Ruth never imagined she would need a C-section. Like many first-time mothers, she had envisioned a vaginal birth—enduring the pain, pushing through contractions, and finally holding her newborn in her arms.
But after 18 hours of labor with no progress, doctors in an Abuja hospital delivered the hard truth: she and her baby were in danger.
“I wasn’t dilating, and my baby was showing signs of distress,” Ruth recalls. “In that moment, it wasn’t about my preference—it was about survival.”
Now a mother of two, she sees that emergency C-section as a lifesaving decision that reshaped her understanding of childbirth. For her second pregnancy, she didn’t hesitate—she opted for an elective C-section.
“Although recovery was tough, my child’s safety was all that mattered,” she says.
Her story is part of a growing shift in Nigeria, where more women are considering cesarean sections—not just as a last resort, but as a planned, sometimes preferred, birth option.
C-Sections in Nigeria: A Rising Trend
Globally, C-sections are becoming more common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 21% of births are now via C-section, and that number is expected to rise to nearly 29% by 2030.
Nigeria is no exception. With increased medical awareness and improved healthcare access, more women are choosing C-sections—some out of necessity, others for peace of mind.
But financial barriers remain a huge challenge.
In private hospitals across Nigeria, a C-section can cost between ₦300,000 and ₦1,500,000, and if complications arise, the bill can soar beyond ₦2 million. Many women simply can’t afford it, leading to dangerous delays in emergency situations.
To address this, the Nigerian government recently announced free C-sections for women in public hospitals.
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the impact of this policy:
“The new initiative ensures that women who need C-sections, whether due to complications or planned deliveries, can access them without financial barriers.”
This move aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, making life-saving interventions accessible to more Nigerian women.
Breaking the Stigma: The Changing Perception of C-Sections
For Ifeoma, a 40-year-old schoolteacher in Lagos, the choice was clear from the start.
“I saw my sister suffer from a complicated vaginal delivery, while another had a smooth C-section recovery. Why go through unnecessary pain when a planned procedure is safer?” she asks.
Her two children were delivered via scheduled C-sections, and she has no regrets.
“Both times, it was smooth, predictable, and stress-free. Recovery was tough, but at least I knew what to expect.”
Yet, not all women share this mindset.
Funmi, 32, is expecting her second child and insists on a vaginal birth.
“Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I’d rather not have surgery,” she says. “My recovery from vaginal birth was fast, and I don’t want to go through the pain of surgery while caring for a newborn.”
Her biggest concern? The risk of being pushed into repeat C-sections in future pregnancies.
“Once you have one, doctors often recommend another. I don’t want to limit my options,” she explains.
The Future of Childbirth in Nigeria
Younger Nigerian women are approaching childbirth with a more informed perspective.
Jennifer, 25, has already decided that when the time comes, she will choose a C-section.
“People think I’m crazy for deciding so early, but I’ve done my research,” she says. “Why go through prolonged labor and complications when science offers a safer alternative?”
Her decision is influenced by the experiences of family and friends who faced difficult vaginal births.
“If modern medicine gives us a better way, why not take it?” she asks.
C-Sections: A Life-Saving Option, Not a Luxury
Doctors stress that while vaginal birth is safe for most women, C-sections are critical in preventing maternal and infant deaths when complications arise.
Conditions like:
✅ Prolonged labor
✅ Fetal distress
✅ Placental complications
✅ Preeclampsia and high blood pressure
…often make surgery the safest option.
“I have seen women terrified of C-sections because of cultural myths,” says Dr. Uzoma Onu, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Keffi.
“But with proper guidance, they realize it can be the best choice. Epidurals help with pain, and surgical monitoring has greatly improved.”
Similarly, Dr. Sikiru Ojo, a Lagos-based doctor, highlights the misconceptions and financial struggles preventing many women from accessing timely surgical care.
“Many Nigerian women fear C-sections due to outdated beliefs, but it is a medically safe procedure when done under the right conditions,” he explains.
He calls for better health insurance coverage and government support to make emergency obstetric care more affordable.
“A C-section can be the difference between life and death,” he says.
With government support, medical advancements, and changing attitudes, childbirth in Nigeria is evolving.
More women are embracing C-sections as a safe and viable birth option, whether out of necessity or personal choice.
As the conversation around maternal health continues, one thing remains clear—every woman deserves the right to make informed decisions about her body and her baby’s safety.