Viewpoint: How physicians should handle patients’ C-section requests

When expectant mothers request a Caesarean section without any medical or surgical reasons, physicians must walk a fine line of empowering women to advocate for health outcomes, while still following the ethical core of the Hippocratic oath — “doing no harm,” Julia Kfouri, MD, assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Toronto, wrote in an op-ed published by The Star.

Advertisement

Here are three things to know:

1. The term “Caesarean delivery on maternal request” applies to these planned C-sections that some mothers see as a more controlled way to give birth, according to Dr. Kfouri.

2. First time mothers requesting C-sections may not realize the complications associated with the procedure, said Dr. Kfouri. For example, scar tissue from the procedure can form around major abdominal organs, creating future potential for surgical risks. In rare cases, a woman’s uterus can rupture during her next delivery if the organ did not heal properly from a previous C-section.

3. Due to the risks associated with CDMRs, maternity care teams are hesitant to grant this request, according to Dr. Kfouri.

“What we must do, however, is explore deeply and repeatedly the worries and experiences that have led a woman to request a CDMR in the first place,” she wrote in the op-ed. “Some may fear pain and reviewing the spectrum of available pain management options in labor may alleviate these anxieties.”

More articles on clinical leadership and infection control: 

Boston VA hospital patient infected with Legionnaires

3 ways Cleveland Clinic defeated barriers to team-based care

Alternative antibiotics after C-sections may cause more infections

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

When nurses help build the AI, adoption follows: Lessons from 3 health systems

Tuesday, July 28
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Amy McCarthy, DNP, RNC-MNN, NE-BC, CENP, Hippocratic AIBeth Reimschissel, PhD, RN, CNL, Memorial HermannAllison Schlinkert, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Cincinnati Children'sScott Estep, MBOE, BSN, RN, CSSBB, OhioHealth System

Advertisement

Next Up in Clinical Leadership & Infection Control

Advertisement

Comments are closed.