Alarming rise of cesarean births: a single center experience

Abstract

Background and objectives: The increase in cesarean section rates requires detailed investigation worldwide. The goal of this study was to analyze the distribution of indications and rates of cesarean sections in a developing country and to introduce the measures for controlling increased cesarean deliveries.

Material and methods: Electronic medical records of the patients who underwent cesarean section were retrospectively evaluated between the years of 2006 and 2008.

Results: Total of 42,547 vaginal delivery, 104 instrumental vaginal delivery and 28357 cesarean section were performed. The instrumental delivery and cesarean section rates were 0.14 and 39.9%, respectively. The most common indication was repeat cesarean that was present in 9224 patients (32.5%) followed by fetal distress in 6427 patients (22.6%).

Conclusions: Encouraging vaginal delivery for patients with previous cesarean by community based national approaches seems the leading measure to control the increased rates of cesarean section in developing countries.