London, Feb 6: Most women who opt for a caesarean delivery are not 'too posh to push', as thought earlier, they are just too scared, researchers said.

According to a study, many mothers-to-be opt for a C-section for non-medical reasons because they are afraid of the unpredictability of a natural delivery, some being terrified that their baby will die or be injured during the birth, while others worrying about losing control during labour. Scientists from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, asked 496 mothers-to-be about their attitude towards childbirth and were divided into three groups: those who opted for a C-section for medical reasons; those for other reasons; and those who planned a natural delivery.

Almost half--43 per cent-- of those having elective caesareans had a fear of childbirth which was so severe that it affected their health, the Daily Mail reported. Researcher Dr Ingela Wiklund said, ''Women suffering from significant childbirth fear indicate that they are less confident, unhappy, afraid that the child will be injured and don't long for the child. This clearly emphasises the need for pre and post-natal support.''

UNI