Caesarean delivery rates, determinants and indications in Makassed Hospital, Jerusalem 1993 and 2002

Abstract

This study investigated the rising rate of caesarean section (CS) deliveries between 1993 and 2002 (9.4% to 14.4%) and associated factors, including indications for CS and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics based on the register of a major Palestinian teaching hospital. Instrumental deliveries declined from 12.6% to 4.4%. Fetal distress decreased as an indication for CS, while previous CS and breech presentations contributed to the increase. Decision-making for CS needs to frame the benefits and risks of the intervention within the context of women's entire reproductive life-cycle and existing standards of care, avoiding unnecessary and costly CS deliveries to reduce iatrogenic complications and conserve resources.