1. Introduction
Cesarean section (CS) is one of the most commonly performed abdominal surgeries in women during recent decades (1, 2). The rate of CS varies between countries and medical facilities but continues to rise all over the world (1, 2). It is thought that some pregnant women ask for CS delivery even when there is no medical indication, where many pregnant females prefer the CS procedure because of their fear of labor pain which is the most common reason for avoiding spontaneous vaginal delivery (3). Even though CS is a lifesaving procedure, but still, it has a short- and long-term morbidity (2, 4).
The World Health Organization (WHO) focuses on the fact that performing CS without a medical purpose could put the mother and her baby at risk of short and long term complications (2). Those include the risk of death, blood transfusion, hysterectomy and risks related to the stay in an intensive care unit (ICU) (5). Furthermore, the lack of labor in elective CS delivery increases the risk of neonatal mortality, prolonged ICU stay (4), and extremely elevated costs (6). In 1985, based on evidence at that time, WHO put an optimal rate for CS of 10-15% (7) but in 2015 WHO replaced this rate and state that CS should be provided to women in need rather than making great efforts to obtain a specific rate (2).
The present study aims to determine females’ views, experiences, and attitudes regarding the CS procedure. Besides, it aims to focus on the role of health care providers in delivering the proper advice to pregnant women and increase their awareness regarding CS.