The Decision for Cesarean Birth

The easy option? Australian findings on mothers' perception of elective Caesarean as a birth choice after a prior Caesarean section

“…Caesarean delivery is a valuable medical intervention when the risks of vaginal delivery are high for mother or baby, such as abnormal placentation and pre‐eclampsia, but Caesareans are never a risk‐free option. Caesareans are associated with higher rates of wound infection, surgical complications and prolonged hospitalization 2 . The most serious reproductive consequences occur in subsequent pregnancies, with the likelihood of abnormal placentation, risk of uterine rupture, ectopic pregnancy and foetal death in utero increasing with each Caesarean delivery 10,11 .…”

“…Reasons for this exponential increase are varied. Increased maternal age and conditions such as gestational diabetes, morbid obesity and multiple births, combined with improved medical therapies for high‐risk pregnancies, has led to a maternal cohort with increased risk factors for birth 2 . Among obstetricians, Caesarean delivery is seen as an increasingly attractive option because of the rise in malpractice litigation 3 .…”

Understanding the Health Beliefs of First Time Mothers Who Request Elective Cesarean Versus Mothers who Request Vaginal Delivery

“…Historically, cesarean deliveries were primarily emergent and took place directly because of, or in association with obstetrical complications or maternal illness (Terhaar, 2003). Today it is estimated that 4% to 18% of all cesarean deliveries are elective primary cesareans deliveries with no clear medical or obstetrical indication (National Institute of Health, 2006).…”

Speaking Out! Qualitative Insights on the Experience of Mothers Who Wanted a Vaginal Birth after a Birth by Cesarean Section

“…Indeed, there are higher rates of wound infection, surgical complications and prolonged hospitalization for mothers delivering by CS than by vaginal delivery. [2] The serious clinical consequences are not only associated with the immediate birth, but also have significant reproductive sequelae in subsequent pregnancies, with the likelihood of abnormal placentation, risk of uterine rupture, ectopic pregnancy and fetal death in utero increasing with each CS delivery. [3,4] In addition to the possibility of negative physical sequelae, birthing by CS can also be associated with significant emotional consequences for the mother, including a decreased enjoyment of parenting and psychological difficulties such as grief, post-traumatic distress, and depression compared with mothers who have experienced a vaginal delivery.…”