Analysis of deliveries using the Robson Classification System in a Brazilian hospital: a cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND

The rising caesarean section rates are a global concern, highlighted by the World Health Organisation due to the adverse impacts associated with the overuse of this intervention. This study assessed the use of Robson Classification (RC) in a Brazilian university hospital from 2016 to 2020.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted from 2016 to 2020, including 9723 deliveries in a tertiary maternity hospital located in southeastern Brazil. Demographic, obstetric, and delivery data were considered to ascertain the RC. Caesarean section rates were calculated for each group and their absolute and relative contributions to the overall rate. Additionally, indications for induction and caesarean section were described.

RESULTS

The overall caesarean section rate was 38.9%, with a predominance of Group 5 (women with a previous caesarean section), which accounted for 37.1% of all caesarean sections. Group 1 (nulliparous women with spontaneous labour) had a caesarean section rate of 17%, while Group 10 (preterm pregnancies) showed a rate of 50.7%. The main indications for caesarean sections were foetal distress (24.5%), repeat caesarean section (16.8%), and dystocia (10.9%). Labour inductions occurred in 22% of cases, primarily due to post-term pregnancy (35.7%) and premature rupture of membranes (23.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The RC was an effective tool for monitoring and comparing obstetric practices, identifying the groups with the highest contributions to caesarean section rates. Specific strategies, such as protocols to encourage vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) and improvements in induction management, could help reduce unnecessary interventions. This study underscores the importance of implementing evidence-based guidelines to improve obstetric and neonatal outcomes.