Caesarean section in Christchurch

Abstract

Base hospital caesarean section rates in Christchurch have risen from 4.1% in 1967 to 14.1% in 1982. However, the Christchurch district caesarean section rate for 1982 was only 9.6%. Analysis of the indications for caesarean section according to the year showed that most indications have increased in frequency and that between 1977 and 1982 this increase was highly significant for failure to progress and fetal distress. Analysis of the indications for caesarean section according to the type of antenatal booking revealed that in 1982 private patients underwent caesarean section more frequently than clinic patients and that they were more likely to have the caesarean section for failure to progress or fetal distress. Emergency transfer patients had an even higher primary caesarean section rate for most indications.