INVESTIGATION OF 33 WOMEN WHO DEMANDED A CESAREAN-SECTION FOR PERSONAL REASONS

The purpose of this study was to obtain a better understanding of wome n who demand a cesarean section when obstetricians do not think it is necessary. Thirty-three pregnant women were interviewed about their re asons for the demand. The 28 parous women referred to previous childbi rth experiences and feared mainly for intractable labor pain and for t he life and health of the child. The most prevalent fear of the five n ulliparae was for vaginal rupture. According to their wishes and prere quisites the women received counselling or short-term psychotherapy by a psychotherapeutically trained obstetrician. At term 14 women chose vaginal delivery and 19 had elective cesareans, three on obstetric ind ications and 16 at their own choice.