Indications for caesarean delivery between 1955 and 2005

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Examined 50-year trends (1955-2005) in caesarean delivery rates and indications.
• Focused on Ljubljana Maternity Hospital, Slovenia's largest tertiary center.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in caesarean delivery rates and indications over five decades.
• To analyze the evolution of reasons for caesarean births.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 38,499 delivery records from 1955 to 2005.
• Data sourced from archived records and the national perinatal information system.
• Statistical analysis of caesarean delivery rates and indications.

Main Results:

• Caesarean delivery rate rose from 2.5% (1955) to 15.74% (2005).
• 80 indications were analyzed; common reasons included prior caesarean, cephalopelvic disproportion, fetal distress, and malpresentation.
• Indications shifted from predominantly maternal in earlier years to equally fetal and maternal by 1995-2005.

Conclusions:

• Delivery record parameters and attitudes towards childbirth evolved significantly over 50 years.
• The increasing caesarean delivery rate necessitates well-founded clinical decisions.
• Combinations of indications were consistently important, influencing caesarean birth decisions.