ABSTRACT

Background: The rising incidence of elective cesarean delivery necessitates a deeper understanding of the factors influencing this choice among postnatal women. This qualitative study explores the reasons to elective cesarean among postnatal mothers. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five postnatal women who opted for elective cesarean delivery at private hospitals in March 2024. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis identified recurring sub- themes and themes. Results: The participants were 26 years old average. Educational levels were 40% primary, 20% secondary, and 40% higher education. Most participants (80%) were housewives, 20% had jobs, 80% lived in joint families, and 60% were from rural areas. Most deliveries occurred at term (80%), with 80% being first-time deliveries. The majority of reasons of elective cesarean delivery were low pain tolerance, influenced by previous medical or surgical history concerns, family pressure, maternal and fetal health concerns, anxiety about vaginal delivery, influenced by negative societal narratives, and preconceived plans for cesarean delivery. Discussion: The findings highlight the complexity behind elective cesarean delivery, suggesting healthcare providers address both psychological and medical concerns during prenatal care. Enhanced prenatal education and support may reduce unnecessary cesarean deliveries. Conclusion: Elective cesarean delivery often results frommedical, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. Comprehensive prenatal counseling could mitigate the rate of non-medically indicated cesarean deliveries. Keywords: Cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR), Planned cesarean section, Tokophobia, Voluntary cesarean section, Cesarean delivery trends, Parturiphobia
Publication date: 01/09/2026

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/September/MS_IJBPAS_2026_9995.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.9.9995