Factors Influencing Maternal Preference for Mode of Delivery in an Antenatal Clinic

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Maternal choices regarding the mode of childbirth have become a topic of growing interest worldwide, particularly due to rising caesarean section rates and their implications for maternal and neonatal health. The purpose of the study was to identify and analyze the factors influencing women’s preference for mode of delivery in an antenatal clinic. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Employee Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh (June 2024–July 2025) included 100 consenting pregnant women (≥18 years, ≥20 weeks gestation) to assess factors influencing delivery preference, with data on demographics, pregnancy history, perceptions, and counseling analyzed using SPSS v25, and associations tested by chi-square/Fisher’s exact test (p ≤ 0.05) while maintaining confidentiality. Results: Among 100 participants (mean age 26.9 ± 4.7 years), 44% were 19–25 years and 81% lived in urban areas. Gravida distribution was 39% primigravida, 42% two pregnancies, and 19% ≥3; 25% had a previous cesarean. Most preferred normal delivery (78%), 11% preferred cesarean, and 11% were undecided; 72% considered it safer for mother and baby. Key influencing factors were safety (50%), fear of operation (22%), and previous experience/labor pain (28%). Women with previous cesarean or fear of operation were more likely to prefer cesarean (27.3% vs 3.0%; 36.4% vs 3.8%; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Maternal delivery mode preference is mainly influenced by perceived safety, prior birth experience, and counseling, with previous cesarean and fear of surgery increasing cesarean preference.