Frequency of, indications for and clinical epidemiological characteristics of first time cesarean section, compared with repeated cesarean section.

UNLABELLED

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of, indications for and clinical epidemiological characteristics in patients having their first cesarean section (FCS) and then to compare the data with that found in patients with repeated cesarean section (RCS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out. 493 pregnant patients who gave birth by cesarean section or vaginal delivery were seen. Some of the variables analyzed were: age, prenatal care consultations, gyneco-obstetric antecedents, cesarean section indication and neonate weight. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, chi(2) and OR, with a 95% CI. Significance was p<0.05.

RESULTS

66% of the patients had vaginal births (VB) and 33.4% had cesarean sections, with a FCS frequency of 61%. The three most frequent indications for FCS were dystocias and cephalopelvic disproportion (45%), fetal distress (12.8%), and pelvic presentation (9.9%). Meanwhile, those for RCS were previous cesarean section (51%), dystocias (20%) and pelvic presentation (6.2%). The variables significantly associated with FCS were: first pregnancy, antecedent of labor room induction and a neonate weight above 3500 g. The remaining variables were not associated with FCS. Percentages of nulliparity, secondgravidity and multigravidity were greater in RCS patients.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of FCS is still high in Mexico. Adequate following of programs to diminish the percentage of FCS and increase the number of VB, would significantly reduce the prevalence of cesarean section.