Caesarean delivery or vaginal birth: preference of Turkish pregnant women and influencing factors.

The aim of this study was to assess the preference of pregnant women for mode of delivery in an uncomplicated pregnancy and reasons of their choice, also to determine if maternal characteristics were predictors of maternal preference. Pregnant women applying to the antenatal clinic for a routine control visit were recruited. After verbal consents, a questionnaire was administered to 1,588 pregnant women. Of the women questioned, 84.1% opted for vaginal delivery whereas only 15.9% opted for an elective caesarean delivery. The main reasons for vaginal delivery preference were; earlier healing and earlier hospital discharge, being a more physiological way of delivery and previous vaginal delivery history. The most common reasons for choosing caesarean delivery were; fear of vaginal delivery, tubal ligation demand and to avoid labour pain. Educational status, occupation and gestational age were not found to be influencing factors but age, parity and monthly income were found to be influencing factors for maternal preference.