Caesarean section on maternal request

Abstract

The initial part of Chapter Five summarises the incidence of, indications for, and certain social, cultural, economic and psychological reasons for the growing number of Caesarean sections. Over the last decade, a woman’s right to choose the method of birth and Caesarean section “on demand” without medical indication have become the topics of heated debate. This chapter discusses the reasons for caesarean section on maternal request, the advantages and disadvantages of caesarean delivery without medical indication, the influence of the obstetrician and female patient’s cognitive factors on the method of childbirth, ethical aspects with anemphasis on partnership with the obstetrician and possible methods of supporting the women concerned. The chapter concludes that prenatal care should start as early as possible, preferably during pregnancy, and should involve a multidisciplinary team to overcome the causes of fear of labour pain and vaginal birth.