INDICATIONS OF CAESAREAN SECTION IN WOMEN PRESENTING AT COMBINED MILITARY HOSPITAL KOHAT

S KHAN; SS JABEEN; M MUNIR; S FEROZ; S SULTAN

doi:10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.130

Authors

S KHAN Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Combined Military Hospital Kohat, Pakistan
SS JABEEN Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Combined Military Hospital Kohat, Pakistan
M MUNIR Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Combined Military Hospital Kohat, Pakistan
S FEROZ Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Combined Military Hospital Kohat, Pakistan
S SULTAN Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Combined Military Hospital Kohat, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.130

Keywords:

Caesarean Section, Fetal Distress, Non-Progress Of Labor, Breech Presentation, Obstetric Indications

Abstract

Background: Caesarean section (C-section) is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in obstetrics and gynecology worldwide. While it can be life-saving for both mother and child, rising global rates have raised concerns regarding appropriate indications. Identifying the most common indications is essential for optimizing obstetric care and reducing unnecessary procedures. Objective: To determine the indications of caesarean section among women presenting at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Kohat. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Kohat, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 04-March-2024 to 04-September-2024. Methods: A total of 158 pregnant women aged 18–40 years undergoing caesarean section were included. Indications for C-section were assessed, including fetal distress (abnormal fetal heart rate >160 or <120 beats/minute), non-progress of labor (prolonged labor >20 hours), and breech presentation (fetal position with buttocks or feet down). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages, and mean ± SD was calculated for continuous variables. Results: The mean age of participants was 26.99 ± 6.81 years. Fetal distress was the most frequent indication for C-section (38.6%), followed by non-progress of labor (32.9%), and breech presentation (28.5%). Conclusion: Fetal distress emerged as the leading indication for caesarean section in this study, followed by non-progress of labor and breech presentation. These findings underscore the importance of timely intrapartum monitoring and effective labor management strategies to reduce avoidable caesarean deliveries.

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