Researchers at UniSA's School of Nursing and Midwifery are working to address issues relating to the rising rate of Caesarean section births with a new study into the information made available to women who have had a previous caesarean section.
The Knowledge of Birth Options After Caesarean section (KOBAC) study will focus on women who have already had a Caesarean birth to examine their knowledge about options for subsequent births.
Senior lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery and supervisor of the KOBAC study, Dr Heather Hancock says that while many Caesareans are medically necessary, a substantial number are not, and this needs to be examined more closely.
"In 2006, there were 18,803 births in South Australia with a 32.9 per cent Caesarean section rate - the highest rate ever, according to the SA Pregnancy Outcome Unit," Dr Hancock said.
"The the number of natural births for women who had previously had a Caesarean birth also diminished, down to 16 per cent in 2006 compared with 30 per cent in 1998.
"We know the statistics are concerning, but what we want to find out is what information women base their decisions on for their next birth after a previous Caesarean, and particularly whether it is evidence-based information."
Hancock says women cannot make an appropriate decision if they are not fully informed about all birth options and the issues involved in the choice of a second Caesarean birth.
"Evidence shows us that often women who have had a previous Caesarean just assume they will need to have another one, without being aware of the risks - maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity are often higher; there is a longer recovery time; and there are other possible complications," she said.
"Pregnant women who have had a previous Caesarean and who want to have a natural birth should be supported in this decision, if it is appropriate - but we don't know enough about how they come to make their choices and if this option is even offered to them to assist in their decision making.
"By looking at women's knowledge of their birth options after they have had a previous Caesarean, we can begin to understand their decision making processes for a subsequent pregnancy.
"Hopefully we can then develop effective strategies for women to make informed, evidence based and supported choices."
The School of Nursing and Midwifery is looking for at least 60 women who have had a previous Caesarean to participate in the study.
To find out more or to get involved in the KOBAC study call: (08) 8302 2355
