gms | German Medical Science

Background: A cesarean section (CS) can be a life-saving procedure for both the person giving birth and the newborn. However, it is associated with short- and long-term risks that can have health consequences years after birth. For decades, there has been an increase in the rate of CS worldwide without measurable improvements in maternal and neonatal health. One approach to limit the rate of CS deliveries to necessary cases is to obtain a second opinion (SO).

Aim/research question: The aim of this study is to gain new insights into the relevance and feasibility of obtaining an SO in elective CS through an online survey of (former) pregnant women with elective CS.

Methods: Based on the current literature and consultation with experts, a questionnaire was created and pretested for current and former pregnant women with elective CS. The surveys were set up online in July 2023 via LimeSurvey and are currently being disseminated via various channels (including patient associations, social media). The topics covered are decision-making process for mode of delivery, satisfaction with counseling, experiences with SO in this context as well as reasons for and against it, access to health information, and sociodemographic characteristics. Data will be analyzed descriptively.

Results: The study’s findings will aid in determining the usefulness and desirability of SOs from the perspective of pregnant persons when elective CS is recommended. It is expected that the need depends on the type of indication and other factors such as sociodemographic characteristics.

Relevance: The survey can provide indications as to whether pregnant women perceive an SO before CS as useful in order to make a self-determined and informed decision for the mode of birth. Furthermore, it can provide indications for which circumstances it is perceived as helpful and from whom pregnant women would like to have an SO (e.g. midwife or physician). In addition, surveys on the topic of SO before CS among obstetricians and midwives in private practice are currently being evaluated. Surveys of pregnant women may reveal possible discrepancies compared to the surveys among obstetricians and midwives.

Recommendation/conclusion: The results may help to decide whether the provision of SOs should be adapted in case of elective CS and, if so, under which conditions.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: A vote on ethics was not necessary. The research was financed by own resources. There are no conflicts of interest.