Preferred Route of Delivery of Thai Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women who prefer cesarean delivery may request it without any obstetric indication, and this could be one of the reasons for the high rates of cesarean deliveries.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the route of delivery preferred by Thai pregnant women.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional study was performed of Thai pregnant women who attended the antenatal care (ANC) clinic in Rajavithi Hospital between February 1, 2011 and July 31, 2011. Participants were interviewed by one of the researchers using questionnaires relating to their preferred route of delivery assuming they were in the scenario of term pregnancy with uncomplicated singleton cephalic presentation.

RESULTS

Most cases (418/440, 95%) preferred vaginal delivery. The most common reason given for choosing vaginal delivery was faster recovery (49.8%) while the main motivation stated for cesarean delivery was fear of pain during vaginal delivery (68.2%). Dissatisfaction with previous birth experience was the only factor significantly associated with preference for cesarean delivery (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Most Thai pregnant women (95%) attending the ANC clinic at Rajavithi Hospital preferred vaginal delivery. Dissatisfaction with previous birth experience was the only factor significantly associated with choice of the cesarean route.