Maternal request: a reason for rising rates of cesarean section?

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Cesarean section (CS) rates are rising globally.
• Cesarean sections on maternal request present a growing obstetric challenge.
• Understanding CS indications is crucial for obstetric care quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence and indications of cesarean sections (CS).
• To analyze trends in CS, particularly those requested by mothers, between 2002 and 2008.
• To assess the significance of maternal request for CS in a tertiary care setting.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of cesarean sections (CS) performed in 2002 and 2008.
• Statistical analysis using Chi-square, Student's t, and Mann-Whitney U tests.
• Comparison of CS rates and indications between the two study years.

Main Results:

• Cesarean section (CS) rates increased from 23.3% in 2002 to 27.5% in 2008 (p=0.005).
• Cesarean sections on maternal request significantly rose from 2.1% to 5.1%, with a notable increase in those requested after a previous CS (0.3% to 1.2%).
• While rare, maternal and fetal complications occurred in low-risk patients requesting CS.

Conclusions:

• A significant rise in cesarean sections (CS) on maternal request was observed, particularly following previous CS.
• The findings underscore the necessity for specialized counseling for women requesting cesarean delivery.
• Further research into the factors influencing maternal request for CS is warranted.