CHANGES IN INDICATIONS FOR CESAREAN DELIVERY - UNITED-STATES, 1985 AND 1994

Objectives. The percentages of cesarean deliveries attributable to spe cific indications (breech, dystocia, fetal distress, and elective repe at cesarean) were computed for 1985 and 1994. Methods. Data were deriv ed from the 1985 and 1994 National Hospital Discharge Surveys. Results . Dystocia was the leading indication for cesarean delivery in both ye ars. In comparison with 1985, cesareans performed in 1994 that were at tributable to dystocia and breech presentation increased those attribu table to fetal distress did not change significantly, and elective rep eat cesareans declined Conclusions. Studying indications for cesareans can be useful for hospitals, clinicians, and researchers in determini ng strategies to lower primary and repeat cesarean rates.