Prediction of Emergency Cesarean Section Using Detectable Maternal and Fetal Characteristics Among Saudi Women

Evidence-Based Strategies to Minimize Unnecessary Primary Cesarean Sections: A Comprehensive Review

The increase in cesarean section (CS) rates, whether they are classified as unnecessary or elective, has globally raised significant concerns due to the associated risks involving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although CS can be a lifesaving operation in specific medical cases, its overuse is exposing mothers and neonates to complications like hemorrhage, infections, and long-term consequences such as uterine scarring, infertility, and future pregnancy problems. The contributing factors include maternal preferences for convenience, fear of labor, and financial incentives within the healthcare systems that favor surgical interventions. Defensive medical practices and private healthcare providers further exacerbate this trend. This review discusses the prevalence of CS, highlighting variations between developing and developed regions and the complexity of addressing the rising rates. Moreover, recommendations to reduce unnecessary CS, such as enhancing antenatal education to inform mothers about the risks and benefits associated with different delivery options, promoting supportive care models (midwives), and fostering interdisciplinary cooperation among healthcare providers, will also be addressed. Healthcare systems will gain the ability to reduce the rates of unnecessary Cesarean procedures by directing the main focus on patient education, continuous monitoring, and policy reforms. This will lead to the improvement of both neonatal and maternal health outcomes in addition to lowering the costs of healthcare. In order to provide and ensure evidence-based and safe care for childbirth, a multidisciplinary approach is essential.

The Impact of Educational Sessions on Anxiety Levels among Women Undergoing Caesarean Section: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Although the Caesarean section (CS) is considered a harmless surgery, it has various complications. Women scheduled for elective CSs often have high levels of anxiety due to a lack of knowledge. The aim of this quantitative quasi-experimental study was to determine the relationship between preoperative educational sessions and anxiety levels among women undergoing CSs. The study was conducted at the antenatal unit in the King Faisal Medical Complex (KFMC) in Taif, Saudi Arabia, using a structured interview questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and satisfaction interviews. A total of 50 pregnant women participated in this study, who were divided into two groups: 25 participants in the intervention group and 25 in the control group. Most participants (92%) in the intervention group had low anxiety levels following educational sessions, and 96% of the participants were very satisfied with the preoperative information they had been given. Women in the control group (again, 92%) had high anxiety levels, and there was a significant difference in the anxiety levels of the intervention and control groups (p ≤ 0.5) after the educational sessions. Providing proper preoperative education about CSs can reduce preoperative anxiety, improve patient outcomes, and enhance patients' involvement in their care and decision-making.