Cesarean section on maternal request: reasons for the request, self-estimated health, expectations, experience of birth and signs of depression among first-time mothers.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate first-time mothers undergoing cesarean section in the absence of medical indication, their reason for the request, self-estimated health, experience of delivery, and duration of breastfeeding. We also aimed to study if signs of depression postpartum are more common in this group. METHOD: In a prospective cohort study 357 healthy primiparas from two different groups, "cesarean section on maternal request" (n=91) and "controls planning a vaginal delivery" (n=266) completed three self-assessment questionnaires in late pregnancy, two days after delivery and 3 months after birth. Symptom scores from the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale at three months after birth were also investigated. RESULTS: Women requesting cesarean section experienced their health ass less good (p