[Vaginal birth versus Cesarean section on demand - which mode of delivery is preferred by pregnant women?].
Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2011;
215:35-40. [PMID:
21348007 DOI:
10.1055/s-0031-1271743]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The Cesarean section rate continues to increase across the developed nations since there are still a number possible reasons for this development including medical and non-clinical indications. The aim of this study was to analyse how pregnant women themselves think about Cesarean section and vaginal delivery, and which mode of delivery they prefer.
METHODS
Pregnant women booked for prenatal diagnosis at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck between October 2004 and January 2005 were invited to participate in the study. 534 pregnant women completed a questionnaire on their method of choice for delivery and selected background variables.
RESULT
Women favour a natural birth and place high importance on the criteria physiology, active birth experience and personal assistance. Characteristics of the Cesarean section that were viewed negatively include surgery and pain.
CONCLUSION
The rise in Cesarean section rates cannot be explained by the patients' preferences. In terms of patient autonomy, obstetricians should respect a woman's wish for vaginal delivery, avoiding medical intervention if clinically possible.
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