When Fear Surrounding Childbirth Leads Women to Request a Planned Cesarean Birth

When Patients Request the Knife – Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request

Cesarean delivery on maternal request is defined as a prelabor cesarean delivery on maternal request in the absence of any maternal or fetal indications. There are many reasons underlying why women may desire this type of delivery versus planned vaginal delivery: anxiety over the birthing process, concern for perineal trauma during vaginal delivery, potential for urinary incontinence or pelvic ...

Effect of a Childbirth Psychoeducation Program on the Level of Fear of Childbirth in Primigravid Women

Background: Severe fear of childbirth (FOC) is the most important cause of elective and emergency cesarean section and results in an unpleasant experience among women. Implementing a psychoeducational program can promote mothers’ knowledge and reduce the FOC. Aim: the aim of this study was to determine the effect of childbirth psychoeducational program on the FOC intensity in primigravid women....

Does Antenatal Fear of Childbirth Predict Postnatal Fear of Childbirth? A Study of Japanese Women

The study aimed to determine whether antenatal fear of childbirth (expectation) could predict postnatal fear of childbirth (experience) by taking account of other antenatal psychological variables (anxiety and depression) as well as birth outcomes in Japanese women. A longitudinal observational study was conducted at a clinic in Tokyo, Japan, in 2011. Self-report questionnaires were distributed...

The effect of an elective cesarean section on maternal request on peripartum anxiety and depression in women with childbirth fear: a systematic review

BACKGROUND Obstetricians are often reluctant to grant requests for an elective cesarean section (ECS) due to childbirth fear. To date, it is unknown if an ECS on request improves mental well-being in the mother in the peripartum period and if possible beneficial effects on anxiety and depression could outweigh the increased risk of complications associated with a surgical delivery. A systematic...

Planned elective cesarean section: a reasonable choice for some women?