Timing of elective caesarean section at term: barriers to guidelines in practice.

The introduction of NICE guidelines in Britain on Caesarean Section provides valuable information on current research findings but little insight into how to implement the guidelines in practice. This is of particular concern when considering the best gestational age to deliver a baby by elective Caesarean Section as this study suggests a major shift in practice would be required to meet recommendations. Guidance on how to achieve recommended practice is ambiguous and requires further reflection by policy makers and practitioners alike.