Is this Caesarean Really Necessary

Abstract

Far too many Caesarean sections are being performed, as fewer doctors achieve the skills of obstetrics and resort more frequently to the ultimate obstetrics answer-the Caesarean section. In an effort to reduce our Caesarean section rate, we undertook a prospective analysis of 97 patients who had previous one or more Caesarean section. 40 patients were unsuitable for a trial of labour. Of the 57 who underwent a trial of labour, only 27 achieve a normal vaginal delivery. Favourable factors leading to a normal vaginal delivery were previous vaginal delivery, particularly after a Caesarean operation, a vertex cephalic presentation and a maternal height of more than 5 feet. The use of Oxytocin and Prostaglandins may reduce the repeat Caesarean section rate.