[Fear-driven cesarean section on request]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Modern childbirth practices increasingly involve women's autonomy in decision-making regarding delivery methods.
• A rising percentage of cesarean sections, including those on request, necessitates an investigation into underlying causes and potential interventions.
• Traditional support systems during childbirth are evolving, with a focus on continuous support and informed choices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the primary reasons behind the increasing rates of cesarean sections, particularly those performed on maternal request.
• To explore strategies for reducing the number of cesarean sections, especially elective ones.
• To understand the impact of pain management options on delivery preferences.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 100 nulliparous pregnant women opting for natural birth and 50 nulliparous pregnant women requesting cesarean section.
• Participants were in their final weeks of pregnancy (38-40 weeks gestation).
• The study assessed preferences and decisions regarding delivery methods in relation to pain management availability.

Main Results:

• Fear of labor pain was cited as the reason for requesting a cesarean section in 12% of cases.
• Informing women about pain reduction methods and ensuring their availability led 52% of those who requested cesarean section to opt for natural birth.
• 42% of women who initially requested cesarean section expressed a desire for epidural anesthesia.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced access to information on pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief can potentially halve the rate of cesarean sections on request.
• Approximately 25% of women desiring a cesarean section would forgo it with access to epidural anesthesia.
• Around 10% of women would choose natural birth over a cesarean section if non-pharmacological pain relief methods, such as acupuncture, were available.