Abstract
Background. Cesarean section (C-section) rate in Romania is the second-highest in the European Union (44.1% in 2017), and the number of C-sections performed in the country has increased in the past decades. Given how common C-section is now, it is important to gain insight into the practice and perceptions of patients and doctors in countries with high C-section rates. The objectives are 1) to compare the preferred modes of birth among women; 2) to draw a profile of patients and doctors in whose case the actual birth method is different from the preferred method; and 3) to analyze the way Romanian women want to give birth. Methods. We conduct a statistical analysis based on an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional survey on 117 singleton pregnant women more than 36 weeks in spontaneous labor in tertiary level maternity in Romania. Various statistical tests have been used to indicate statistical significance. Results. We calculate an increase of almost 58% in actual childbirth mode against preferred childbirth by C-sections, rather difficult to justify based only on medical emergencies. There are 22 patients with non-concordant C-section indications between preferred and actual mode of birth, 7 of them (31.8%) preferred natural birth and 15 (68.2%) preferred C-section. The profiles of patients with concordant and non-concordant delivery modes are different and indicate a statistically significant difference between the preference for delivery and actual birth method. Patients who preferred vaginal birth, but gave birth by C-section, are mature and more educated women, in the middle to high-income category, mostly attended by consultant doctors and specialists. Doctors’ profiles show that specialists and consultants attend the largest share of non-concordant births, while residents and young senior doctors attend mostly vaginal births. Conclusions. We emphasize health system particularities in Romania as triggers of high C-section rates that favor women’s preferences against C-section medical indication. Improving patients’ confidence in the health care system, built on competence and fitted hierarchical team position may lead to choosing the optimal way of birth for childbirth safety and pain control.