title: What is underneath the cesarean request?
abstract: In the Nordic countries, where there is a real pursuit to keep cesarean section rates at a relatively low level, the efforts to align maternity care to the needs of women reflect a unique approach among high-income countries. Electively performed cesarean section due to fear of childbirth is one example of this increased attention. The antenatal counseling services' primary aim is the promotion of a positive childbirth experience, regardless of mode of delivery. It is very likely, however, that even a fulfilled request for cesarean section is not enough to ensure a positive birth experience. Therefore, a maternal request for cesarean delivery should first be interpreted as a sign of increased maternal vulnerability rather than a need that should be met unconditionally.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
authors.forename: Diána
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dweik
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Anne-Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sluijs
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000523:psychology*; D003376:Counseling; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000523:psychology; D036801:Parturition / Q000523:psychology*; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012537:Scandinavian and Nordic Countries
keywords: Fear of childbirth; cesarean section; childbirth experience; counseling services