FIGO good practice recommendations for cesarean delivery on maternal request: Challenges for medical staff and families

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-1-2023

Journal

International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics

Volume

163 Suppl 2

DOI

10.1002/ijgo.15118

Keywords

cesarean delivery; elective cesarean; maternal request

Abstract

Elective cesarean delivery on maternal request is a challenging topic of discussion for patients, their families, and clinicians. Efforts to reduce the rate of cesarean deliveries should include the proportion of cesarean deliveries at term that occur solely due to maternal request rather than a maternal or fetal indication. Additionally, clinicians should follow good clinical practice, which includes family counseling, discussions on the benefits and potential risks of elective cesarean delivery, timing of delivery, and ethical and legal considerations. Furthermore, there is the need for a sustained workforce of perinatal clinicians and staff trained in the appropriate technique and management of operative complications. This article reviews global rates of elective cesarean on maternal request and outlines FIGO's good practice recommendations for counseling expectant mothers and the conduct of elective cesarean versus vaginal delivery.

Department

Prevention and Community Health

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