PA
It seems the saying 'too posh to push' might just be right.
Middle class mums are more likely to give birth by caesarean section compared to working class mums, according to new research.
A new study by the Medical Research Council and the Scottish Chief Scientist's Office looked at thousands of births over a 20 year period, split into three time periods: 1980-81, 1990-91 and 1999-2000.
The number of non-emergency C-sections rose from 3.6 per cent of births to 5.5 per cent over the 20 years.
While in the 80s caesareans were more common in mums from poorer backgrounds, by 2000 they were far more common in wealthier mums from more middle classes families.
Commenting on the study, Ruth Dundas of the Medical Research Council in Glasgow, said there had been a complete turnaround in the backgrounds of mums having non-emergency c-sections.
'Thirty years ago mothers having caesarean sections were more likely to come from deprived areas or from a lower social background.
'By 1999-2000 the rates had equalised for emergency section, but babies born by elective surgery were more likely to belong to mothers from the higher of the social classes.'
Famous 'section' mums include Liz Hurley, Britney Spears and, of course, Victoria Beckham, who gave birth to her three sons by caesarean, and is said to be gearing up for a fourth when she welcomes her daughter in eight weeks.
Did you have an elective C section? Do you think 'too posh to push' is a bit harsh?