Factors Contributing to Cesarean Sections among Mothers and their Short-term Effects on Postpartum Outcomes: A Case-control Study

Background: Cesarean sections are increasingly common worldwide, often influenced by multiple socio-demographic, obstetric, and clinical factors. This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to cesarean deliveries and assess their short-term effects on postpartum outcomes. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Babylon Governorate hospitals, Iraq, including ۳۰۰ participants: ۱۵۰ women who delivered by cesarean section (cases) and ۱۵۰ who delivered vaginally (controls). Participants were matched for demographic characteristics. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and medical records. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, odds ratios, and logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version ۲۵. Results: Key predictors of cesarean delivery included a history of previous CS (OR = ۱۴.۵۸; p < ۰.۰۰۱), prolonged labor (>۱۲ hours) (OR = ۶.۰۸; p < ۰.۰۰۱), pregnancy complications (OR = ۶.۱۲; p < ۰.۰۰۱), non-cephalic fetal presentation (OR = ۵.۰۹; p < ۰.۰۰۱), and primiparity (OR = ۵.۳۳; p < ۰.۰۰۱). Overweight maternal BMI and labor induction further increased CS likelihood (OR = ۴.۱۳ and OR = ۴.۵۰, respectively; p < ۰.۰۰۱). Short-term postpartum effects included higher rates of surgical complications, delayed breastfeeding initiation, and increased hospital readmissions among cesarean deliveries. Conclusions: Caesarean section is associated with significant risk factors and adverse postpartum outcomes. Strategies to reduce unnecessary cesarean sections include promoting education about early pregnancy, optimal birth management, and addressing modifiable risk factors such as maternal body mass index. Future research should explore long-term postpartum effects and interventional strategies to reduce cesarean section rates.

Keywords:

Cesarean Section , Postpartum Outcomes , Risk Factors , Maternal health