Causes of Cesarean Section in an Educational Hospital at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences

  Background and Objectives: Normal vaginal delivery is the best type of delivery in most cases and cesarean section is restricted to cases in which vaginal delivery is accompanied with risks for mother and baby. The aim of this study was to determine rate and causes of cesarean delivery in an educational hospital in 2009.   Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Data were gathered using 467 patients' medical files and interviews with 391 women who underwent cesarean section and were recorded in a data sheet. Data were analyzed using the SPSS.   Results: The rate of cesarean section was 31.5% of all live births. The most causes of cesarean section were repeated cesarean section (29.6%), mecuneum staining (15%), breech presentation (14.1%), and placenta previa (10.9%).   Conclusion: The findings of the study showed that the rate of cesarean section in our selected hospital was more than the reported rates by the WHO. Based on the results, we should decrease the rate of the first cesarean sections. In order to achieve this goal, it is essential to implement interventional programs in order to change women’s attitudes towards benefits of vaginal delivery. Moreover, we should admit low risk mothers in active phase of labor.