Elective caesarean section - the patient's choice?

Abstract

It has traditionally been considered inappropriate for women to have an elective caesarean section on request in an uncomplicated pregnancy. In previous studies, female obstetricians and midwives have been questioned on their preferred mode of delivery. This study asked 344 women attending a routine antenatal booking clinic what mode of delivery they would prefer in an uncomplicated pregnancy and why. Of the women questioned, 14·5% opted for an elective caesarean section at 39 weeks' gestation. The main reasons being to avoid maternal trauma, to avoid a prolonged labour and for fetal wellbeing. A caesarean section may have some potential benefits over a vaginal delivery and it is hard to refuse a well-informed woman an elective caesarean section on request, even if it results in a further rise in the rate of caesarean section.