International Journal of Innovative Research in Health Science

Background: Caesarean section (CS) rates have increased considerably in India, making it important to identify the major indications contributing to caesarean deliveries. Objective: To assess the indications of lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) among pregnant mothers who underwent caesarean section at Rajiv Gandhi Women and Children Hospital, Puducherry. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among pregnant mothers who underwent LSCS at the selected hospital. Data were collected from the confinement register maintained in the labour room for the period from January to March. A survey method and purposive sampling technique were used to obtain the required data. The recorded obstetric information was reviewed to identify and describe the indications for caesarean section. Results: A total of 578 (12.07%) pregnant mothers under-went caesarean section during the study period. The major indications for LSCS were previous LSCS (PLSCS) in 103 (18%), fetal distress in 95 (16.4%), cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) in 93 (16%), failed induction in 59 (10.2%), and oligohydramnios in 50 (9%). Conclusion: Previous LSCS, fetal distress, CPD, failed induction, and oligohydramnios were the major indications for LSCS among the study population. Identifying the pattern of indications may help in planning appropriate obstetric care.