Pnm-6: Satisfaction and Preferences of Cesarean Delivery in Nulliparus Women in Babol 2010:A Postpartum Survey

Background: Despite international policy documents calling for reduction in medical interventions in birth. Cesarean section (CS) rates throughout the world, so as in Iran, have continuously rising. Many publications have examined the reasons behind the worldwide rising cesarean delivery rate. The purpose of this study was to investigate pregnant women’s intentions for opting for CS and postpartum satisfaction. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at six medical centers (4 public-2 private) in Babol over a 1 year period including rural, semi-rural and urban women after the childbirth. Randomly 180 women were eligible to include this survey. Semi structured questionnaires were completed just a day after giving birth by CS. The questionnaire was developed on the basis of a review of published reports, a review of existing questionnaires, and consulting with obstetricians, midwife and epidemiologist. Data gathered and analyzed by SPSS version 18 software and Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the individuals was 25 ± 4.92. 59.7% were occupied in urban area. 53 (29%) subjects had chosen CS by their own demand and the others (71%) which most of them preferred vaginal delivery had to be performed CS because of specific medical indications. In the first group, the main reasons mentioned by mothers for choosing CS were respectively: fear of pain (62%), fear of fetal damage during vaginal delivery (37%) and relatives&#039; suggestions (35%). On the other hand, in obligative group, the main indications by the physician&#039;s diagnosis were prolonged labor (27%); fetal endangered (24%) and cephalopelvic disproportion (16%). In selective group 92.5% were satisfied after labor which in the other group 62% of mothers express some degrees of satisfaction (p<0.001, OR=9.30 ). Conclusion: As many studies revealed, if a woman chooses cesarean delivery in her first delivery, she is more likely to have subsequent deliveries by cesarean. Then specific and scientific based supportive care during first labor and delivery, and preparation or education on issues surrounding cesarean section, could play a pivotal role in making the true decision and improves women&#039;s satisfaction with birth.