Indications for cesarean section at Thammasat University Hospital

To present the indications associated with the increase in cesarean section rate at Thammasat University Hospital during the past three years.

This was a cross-sectional study. Pregnant women who underwent cesarean section between January 2003 and December 2005 at Thammasat University Hospital were recruited for the present study. Cases of fetal anomaly or intrauterine fetal death were excluded. Demographic and obstetric data including indications of cesarean section and pregnancy outcomes were collected and analyzed

Among the 1328, 1402, and 1522 cases of cesarean section (27.31, 27.94, and 29.26%) in 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively, the major indication was previous cesarean section (29%). Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), and elective cesarean section were second, and third most common indication (24.64%, 11.23%) respectively.

The increasing cesarean section rate was due to rising of elective cesarean section or patient's request. Cesarean section without obstetric indication should be reconsidered to lower the cesarean section rate.