Cesarean section upon request: is it appropriate for everybody?

Abstract

The request for cesarean section without medical indication has become one of the dilemmas faced by the obstetrician. Most recent studies that compare vaginal delivery with elective cesarean section find them equally safe. This comparison is lacking in the option of trial of labor, which may result in an assisted vaginal delivery or intrapartum cesarean section, both with increased morbidity and mortality for the mother and newborn. When considering elective cesarean section, the obstetrician has to take into account improved anesthetic techniques and the decrease in morbidity and mortality after cesarean section with the trend toward patient autonomy to decide on her own treatment. On the other hand, the obstetrician has to advise his patient of the best treatment with respect to possible complications in future pregnancies, such as placental complications and increased morbidity and mortality resulting from repeated cesarean sections. The advantage of cesarean section for pelvic floor protection does not exist after three consecutive cesarean sections and equals the rate of urinary incontinence after consecutive three vaginal deliveries. In countries such as ours, where most women wish for several children, the risk-benefit balance is toward repeated spontaneous vaginal deliveries.