[Factors associated with cesarean section in France. Results from the 1995 National Perinatal Survey]

Abstract

Objective: to study the relationship between the cesarean section rates and the characteristics of newborns, mothers and maternity units, studying primary and repeat cesarean sections, and cesarean sections before and during labour separately. Population. Representative sample of births in France.

Method: Univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: The primary cesarean section rate (among women without previous cesarean section) was 11.0% and the repeat cesarean section rate was 62.9%. The main factors associated with primary cesarean sections were breech presentation, small-for-gestational age before term, and high birthweight, for characteristics of newborns, and parity 0,30 years old or more and high pre- pregnancy weight, for characteristics of mothers. These factors were linked to cesarean sections before labour and during labour. Preterm and post-term deliveries, educational level, and nationality played a different role before and during labour. Very few factors were linked to repeat cesarean sections.

Conclusion: Various factors are associated with cesarean sections; they express the influence of both unfavorable medical conditions and particular medical care organisations.