Mode of Delivery in Greece: A Study of Obstetricians' Personal Preferences Regarding Delivery of Their Offspring

Background: In Greece, the cesarean section (CS) rate reached 62.15% in 2023. This study aims to document Greek obstetricians' preferences and choices regarding the delivery mode of their own children. Methods: A questionnaire was emailed to Greek obstetricians, capturing demographics, preferred and actual delivery modes, regrets about delivery choices, and opinions on factors contributing to the high CS rate. Results: Of the 337 respondents, 78.8% preferred normal labor, but only 55.8% reported a vaginal delivery for their first child. Only 31% would opt for vaginal birth after CS. Male and married obstetricians were more likely to prefer vaginal birth, while those with more children or children born earlier were more likely to have delivered vaginally their first child. Partner preference influenced both the obstetrician's choice and the actual delivery mode. According to Greek obstetricians, the primary reasons for the high CS rate are hostile medico-legal conditions (56.3%), advanced maternal age and in vitro fertilization (42.6%), and lack of training in instrumental deliveries (37.2%). Maternal request was cited by 25% of respondents. Conclusions: Although four in five Greek obstetricians favor normal labor for their own children, the CS rate among them mirrors that of the general population. Convenience scheduling does not appear to drive Greece's high CS rate. Obstetricians suggest that legislative reforms, improved training, and public health strategies to reduce maternal CS requests are essential for lowering the CS rate.