Patterns and factors influencing caesarean delivery in first-time mothers at a tertiary care hospital: A comprehensive study

• Author Details:   
• Shruti Ganti ^*
• Jayashree Srinivasan
• Nimrah Amthul
• Sounthariyaa Rameshanand

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Background: A caesarean section is one of the most common surgeries done in day-to-day obstetrical practice. With advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia, there have been many developments in the technique and precision. In the present times, due to advanced maternal age at first pregnancy and many other associated maternal and fetal complications, the mode of delivery through a caesarean section has increased drastically. This study explores the patterns, outcomes, and factors influencing caesarean deliveries in first-time mothers at Saveetha Medical College's Obstetrics and Gynecology Department.

Materials and Methods: Employing a retrospective observational design, this study analyzed the medical records of 500 first-time mothers who had caesarean deliveries at Saveetha Medical College's Obstetrics and Gynecology Department from January to December 2023. The data collection focused on gathering demographic information, medical history, caesarean indications, and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0 to identify trends and correlations.

Results: The incidence of caesarean sections was 60%, with 32% of these being primiparous mothers, Demographic analysis showed a higher prevalence among women over 30 and those in urban areas. Common indications included fetal distress (40%), prolonged labour and failed induction (25%) and cephalopelvic disproportion (15%). Postoperative complications were observed in 10% of cases, with notable differences in recovery times and patient satisfaction, highlighting the need for improved postoperative care protocols.

Conclusion: This study aims to enhance the understanding of caesarean section trends at a tertiary care centre. It provides valuable insights into the complex decision-making process for caesarean deliveries among first-time mothers. Studying the trends in first-time caesarean sections is crucial because it can impact the mode of delivery in subsequent pregnancies. An increase in first-time caesarean sections indirectly leads to more second-time caesarean sections, as there is often a reluctance to attempt a trial of labour after caesarean (TOLAC) and opt for vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). Additionally, the surgical risks and delivery time increase significantly.

Keywords: Caesarean section, Fetal distress, Pregnancy, Cephalopelvic disproportion.