LAUSR

Cesarean section is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby’s or mother’s life or health at risk. Cesarean section can save lives, but it is frequently performed without medical indications (1). It is often done as an emergency procedure in women with cephalopelvic disproportion, obstructed labor, fetal distress, antepartum hemorrhage and previous cesarean section resulting in high perinatal and maternal morbidities (2). Cesarean section rates have risen worldwide. A study that involved 150 countries reported a rate of 18.6% ranging from 6% in the least developed countries to 27.2% in the most developed countries. Cesarean section rates are highest in the Latin America and the Caribbean region (40.5%) and Northern America (32.3%), while they are lowest in Asia (19.2%) and Africa (7.3%) (3). In the Arab countries, cesarean section rates vary widely with Egypt having the highest cesarean section rate (26.2%) and Mauritania the lowest (5.3%) (4). Studies from industrial countries have shown that the indications for the cesarean section have changed over the last decades and increased knowledge about current indications could lead to the reduction of cesarean section rates through correct counseling and advice to pregnant women and health workers (5-8). The worldwide increase in cesarean section rate which might be associated with maternal factors and health care services provided the impetus for carrying out this study. It is important to ensure that a cesarean section is provided to women in real need. This study aimed to determine the rate of cesarean section in a sample of primigravida women and find out the association between the cesarean section rate and the socio-demographic characteristics of pregnant women, pregnancy risk factors, and the utilization of antenatal care services.