Causes of elective cesarean delivery on maternal request in Aljouf, Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • Umme Salma Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Ahmed Baker A. Alshaikh Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Muhannad Faleh Alanazi Department of Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • M. Sayed Ali Sheikh Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Wedad Mtharad Ayat Alruwail Department of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Rahaf Abdulsalam Hamed Alsubaiti Department of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Taif Hamad Z. Alzamil Department of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Shouq Saad B. Alruwaili Department of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Reem Zayed Alshalan Department of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Eman K. Rashwan Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20221432

Keywords:

Cesarean delivery, Maternal requests, Causes for elective cesarean section

Abstract

Background: Recently observed there is a steadily higher rate of cesarean delivery worldwide mostly due to the increasing number of women requesting an elective cesarean section on maternal request without valid indication. The aim of the study was to determine the causes of elective cesarean delivery on maternal requests in Aljouf Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study and data was evaluated by completing seven questionnaires and interviews with laboratory reports who were admitted for cesarean delivery at the Obstetrics department of Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH) Aljouf, Saudi Arabia from January 2020 to December 2020. A total of 141 Saudi women of age between 18 and over 35 years were enrolled, including those who have singleton pregnancy, no complications during pregnancy, and no medical indication for cesarean delivery.

Results: 141 women reported willingness to request cesarean delivery. The mean systolic 120±6.23, diastolic 75±2.45 blood pressure mm of Hg, and fasting blood sugar level 4.1±1.1 mmol/l have been found within the normal limit. The ultrasound (US) confirmed singleton pregnancy without any abnormalities.  Data reveals that common causes of elective cesarean section on maternal request to avoid the episiotomy 77.3%, fear of labor pain 69.5%, trauma to the vagina 79.4%, uncertainty about timing 61.7%, losing a baby during vaginal delivery 54.6%, experience other members 41.8%, the risk for baby 39%, prolapse or incontinence24.1%, unsatisfactory sexual intercourse 17.7% and the undesirable experience of the previous vaginal delivery 12%.

Conclusions: Maternal request for cesarean delivery is considered one of the reasons for increasing the rate of cesarean delivery in Saudi Arabia. To avoid the episiotomy and fear of labor pain may strong causes for choosing cesarean delivery.

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Published

2022-05-26

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Original Research Articles