Comparing the Factors Associated with Selecting Normal Vaginal Delivery or Caesarian Section in Nulliparous Women

Abstract

Background and purpose: One of the major risk factors for the health of mother and child is cesarean section (CS) without medical reasons. This study aimed at addressing the causes associated with selecting delivery method in nulliparous women. Materials and methods: A descriptive comparative study was performed in which the research population included all nulliparous women attending a health center in Mazandaran province, Iran 2017. Census method was used and 272 women with normal vaginal delivery (NVD, n=132) and CS (n=140) were selected. Data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were confirmed by gynecologists and Cronbach's alpha 0.76, respectively. Data analysis was done in SPSS V24. Results: Out of 140 CS delivery, 66 (46.5%) had no medical recommendations. The main causes were fear of vaginal pain and health and safety of the fetus. The chance of NVD improved by 1% increase in knowledge about the benefits of NVD (15%) and disadvantages of CS (12%) (P<0.001). Also, 1% improvement in socioeconomic status rose the chance of choosing CS 2.45 times (P=0.023). Conclusion: According to current research, informing nulliparous women about the disadvantages of CS and the benefits of NVD is necessary. Therefore, educational interventions are recommended for women planning pregnancy.

Keywords

• delivery method
• nulliparous women
• normal vaginal delivery
• cesarean section