Primary Caesarean Section among Multiparous Pregnant Women Visiting a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: Caesarean section is one of the most common obstetric operations performed. Primary caesarean section in multiparous women means the first caesarean section done in the multiparity who had previously delivered vaginally. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of primary caesarean section among multiparous pregnant women visiting a tertiary care centre.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among multiparous women in a tertiary care centre from 15 June 2020 to 14 June 2021. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Registration number: F-NMC/420/075/076). Demographic data were collected using predesigned proforma in parous women who had a previous vaginal delivery. A convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated.

Results: Among 1158 multiparity, primary caesarean section was found in 155 (13.39%) (11.43-15.35, 95% Confidence Interval). Most women 62 (40%) belong to 21-25 years and the majority were second gravida 51 (32.90%). The emergency caesarean section was done in 149 (96.12%). Indications for primary caesarean section were fetal distress 63 (40.63%), non-progress of labour and breech 12 (7.74%). Post-operative complications were uneventful in 110 (70.96%) cases.

Conclusions: The prevalence of primary caesarean section in multiparous women was found to be higher than the other studies done in similar settings.

Keywords: caesarean section; multiparity; prevalence.