title: [Vaginal birth versus Cesarean section on demand - which mode of delivery is preferred by pregnant women?].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Cesarean section rate continues to increase across the developed nations since there are still a number possible reasons for this development including medical and non-clinical indications. The aim of this study was to analyse how pregnant women themselves think about Cesarean section and vaginal delivery, and which mode of delivery they prefer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pregnant women booked for prenatal diagnosis at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck between October 2004 and January 2005 were invited to participate in the study. 534 pregnant women completed a questionnaire on their method of choice for delivery and selected background variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women favour a natural birth and place high importance on the criteria physiology, active birth experience and personal assistance. Characteristics of the Cesarean section that were viewed negatively include surgery and pain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rise in Cesarean section rates cannot be explained by the patients' preferences. In terms of patient autonomy, obstetricians should respect a woman's wish for vaginal delivery, avoiding medical intervention if clinically possible.
authors.affiliation: Interdisziplinäres Forschungsinstitut für Frauengesundheit, Frauengesundheitszentrum, Lübeck.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hainer
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kowalcek
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005113:Extraction, Obstetrical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult