Indicators of Elective and Indicative Caesarean Section at Teaching Hospitals in Mosul City

Background: Caesarean sections are a surgical procedure used when vaginal delivery is not possible or safe, and the global rate has been increasing. Elective caesarean sections are planned for non-medical reasons and carry risks such as bleeding, infection, and organ injury. The study aimed to assess the indications for elective and indicative caesarean sections at teaching hospitals in Mosul City.Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design aimed to investigate the indications for caesarean sections and women's reasons for choosing the procedure. Conducted from the 25th of February 2023 to the 1st of June 2023, a simple random sampling method selected a sample of 175 individuals from Mosul hospitals. A structured questionnaire gathered demographic data and information on caesarean section indications and preferences. The data was then analyzed using SPSS version 26.Results: During the study period, the incidence rate for elective and indicative caesarean sections was 31.4% and 68.6%, respectively. Among the reasons for choosing a caesarean section, 9.1% preferred the painless method, 9.1% cited the baby's safety, 12.7% believed it was more satisfying, 7.3% chose it for cosmetic reasons, and 10.9% for emotional health. Interestingly, 23.6% selected caesarean section for a combination of reasons, while 1.8% feared episiotomy and chose it for preserving sexual function. Indications for planned, urgent, and emergent caesarean sections included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (5.8%), obstructed labor (10%), and fetal distress (15%), respectively.Conclusion: Planned caesareans were often due to previous caesareans, while urgent and emergent ones resulted from obstructed labor and fetal distress. Mothers chose caesareans for the baby's safety, emotional health, and episiotomy fear.Recommendation: the study recommends promoting patient education on delivery options, monitoring and analyzing caesarean section trends, and investing in research to understand long-term consequences and minimize risks.