Reporting shows the two maternity units with the highest birth volumes in Portugal are private hospitals, a shift linked to a national rise in caesarean sections. The data indicate Portugal's overall caesarean rate has reached record highs, while within the National Health Service the Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital remains the busiest public maternity. Expectant parents should compare care models and discuss delivery plans with their providers.

Update: Público confirms that higher birth volumes in the private sector are associated with the rise in caesarean deliveries and echoes national headlines that the caesarean rate is at a record high; the article does not report immediate changes to policy or hospital practice.