Are current rates of Cesarean justified?
Cesarean section is associated with increased maternal and fetal risks. It should not be done except for direct and positive indications. Current emphasis on early conduction anesthesia, the use of the fetal monitor in low-risk patients, section approach to breech delivery, and overemphasis on tests and roentgenograms contribute to excessive cesarean sections. Aggressive obstetrics is also expensive and compares unfavorably with a more conservative approach.
D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D001946:Breech Presentation; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000639:trends; D010387:Pelvimetry; D011247:Pregnancy