Rising trends of caesarean section: a retrospective study

ABSTRACT

Background: The indications of Caesarean Section (CS) have been changing over time, along with a visible, much talked about rise in the rate. Without a doubt, C-sections can effectively prevent maternal and perinatal mortality when done for a medical indication. However, little is researched about the extent of maternal indications and the fetal outcomes of C-sections.Methods: Data of January to March 2012 and January to March 2017 was obtained by detailed study of the patient files from the Medical Records Department of the hospital. A predesigned proforma was used to record the relevant information. Data was analysed using standard statistical methods.Results: Cephalo pelvic disproportion (CPD) and fetal distress (FD) remained the major causes of CS in both the groups, being 50.4% in group2012 and 60.5% in group2017. Trends of CS due to maternal demand and tubal ligations are emerging. Though the rise in CS was not significant in the 5 year period having gone up from 45.41% to 48.81%, there was significant increase in deliveries without complications, having jumped up from 74.8% to 88.3%.Conclusions: As per the study, there was non-significant rise in the incidence of C-sections in the time period of study. Major contributory factors observed were CPD and FD, in which it is imperative to perform C-sections.