Victoria 'Posh Spice' Beckham, Claudia Schiffer, Elizabeth Hurley and Madonna are reportedly among the growing list of stars that have undergone early C-sections in the name of vanity. The procedure is said to be effective against unsightly stretch marks that usually form in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Statistics seem to support this trend since there has been an increasing demand for this type of delivery. Research shows that C-sections are becoming more popular than ever although many doctors say they aren't done for cosmetic reasons.

'The number of women having C-sections has been on the rise, and in 2001, the most recent year for which stats are available, 24.4 percent of births in the United States were Caesareans, the highest rate in 13 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,' reported Jennifer D'Angelo of Fox News.

'There has been a spike in these designer C-sections in England and Scotland. (Celebrities) put themselves and their unborn children at risk to avoid stretch marks.' added syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin.

Doctors are divided on the issue. While C-sections are considered by some as the safest way to give birth, others claim that early delivery can be bad for both the mother and her baby.

"There are studies out of England showing a lower incidence of neurological trauma with elective surgery as opposed to those who go through labor. And it's nicer and safer for the mother to give birth on a pre-scheduled basis, as opposed to at 3 a.m.,' said Dr. Scott Serden, clinical chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, where many celebrities have given birth.

Dr. Marciana Wilkerson, an ob-gyn at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., added that C-sections done two weeks before delivery can prevent the formation of ugly stretch marks.

But giving birth early is not advised since it can harm the baby. If this is done prior to 39 weeks without a medical reason, it can cause breathing problems and fetal injury. In mothers, the risks include infection, increased blood loss, respiratory complications and a longer recovery time.

To avoid stretch marks, keep your skin elastic with exercise, a good diet and drink plenty of water. One product that can help is Strevaxl, a new cream that repairs and renews the skin to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and prevent the formation of new ones. For details, visit