Indications and trends of caesarean birth delivery in the current practice scenario

Abstract

Background: Objective of current study was to analyze incidence, indications and trends of cesarean birth delivery in our environment.Methods: A prospective study of the cesarean sections performed at V.S. general teaching hospital in Ahmedabad from January 2008 to December 2013Results: Out of 28,411 total deliveries, 11629 women underwent CS. Each year the CS rate, above 40%, was relatively constant. 72.46% patients were within 20-29 years of age group. 39% patients were from middle to higher socio-economic class. CS in emergency patient was consistently more than 50% and in registered patient around 40%. Maternal indications for CS were twice common to fetal indications. Previous CS and fetal distress were the commonest among maternal and fetal indications respectively. Overall maternal morbidity in CS ranged from 8-10%, commonest being blood transfusion and wound infection. Neonatal morbidity was less than half and neonatal mortality was almost one third in comparison to normal delivery. Rising CS trend was noted in patients with previous CS, fetal distress, oligohydramnios and failed induction. Gradual but constant decline in CS rate was noted among emergency patients, patient with CPD, obstructed labor and PROM.Conclusions: Although to some extent higher CS rate is justifiable due to remarkable reduction in neonatal mortality and morbidity in high risk patients; the CS rate in our environment is still three times higher than WHO recommendation. In controlled environment with experienced staff, careful selection of patients for normal delivery among patients with previous CS, breech presentation and scientific induction of labor may satisfy our concern for mother and newborn safety while keeping the CS rate low.