Trends in cesarean delivery: rate and indications

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cesarean delivery rates have shown a global upward trend.
• Understanding regional trends and indications is crucial for maternal and infant healthcare.
• Tertiary care hospitals in India provide valuable insights into obstetric practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare cesarean delivery rates over a ten-year period.
• To identify and analyze the indications contributing to changes in cesarean delivery trends.
• To assess the rise in primary versus repeat cesarean sections.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of delivery data from 2001, 2006, and 2011.
• Study conducted at Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, a tertiary care facility in Western India.
• Analysis of 20,853 deliveries, focusing on rates and indications of primary and repeat cesarean sections.

Main Results:

• Cesarean delivery rate increased from 171.70 to 289.30 per 1,000 live births.
• Primary cesarean delivery rate rose from 118.53 to 210.09 per 1,000 live births, comprising a larger proportion of the increase.
• Fetal distress, arrest of descent, multiple gestations, and other fetal indications were significant contributors to the rising rates.

Conclusions:

• A significant increase in overall cesarean delivery rates was observed.
• The rise in primary cesarean sections was the main driver of the increased cesarean rate.
• These findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and analysis of cesarean delivery indications.