Secular trends in cesarean sections and risk factors in South Korea (2006–2015)

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate trends in the rate of cesarean sections (CSs) in South Korea from 2006 to 2015 and identify the risk factors associated with these changes. Methods Using the National Health Insurance Corporation dataset, all women who gave birth between 2006 and 2015 were included in the study. We investigated 1) the mode of delivery, 2) the complication rates during pregnancy (i.e., preeclampsia and placenta previa), and 3) pre-pregnancy factors (body mass index, hypertension [HTN], diabetes mellitus [DM], and other pre-existing medical conditions), and their trends during the study period. Results Over 10 years, the rate of CS increased from 36.3% in 2006 to 40.6% in 2015 ( P <0.01). The rate of CS increased in primiparous women, women with multiple pregnancy, and women with preeclampsia. Maternal age and the incidence of placenta previa also increased. In contrast, the rate of vacuum deliveries and vaginal birth after CS decreased during the study period. The rate of women with pre-pregnancy obesity and DM increased, but the rate of women with pre-pregnancy HTN decreased. Conclusion The rate of CS in South Korea increased from 2006 to 2015. This trend may reflect changes in the rate of different risk factors. Identifying the causes of the increasing CS trend observed in this study will allow clinicians to monitor these factors and possibly reduce the rate of CS.

Changes in preterm birth and birthweight during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a nationwide study in South Korea

“…The preterm birth rate is in increasing trend in recent decades worldwide 37 , 38 and South Korea is no exception 28 . Increasing preterm birth rates are affected by multiple factors, including an increasing proportion of pregnant women over 35 years old, and increasing number of multiple births resulting from greater use of assisted reproduction technology 39 , 40 . Because we analyzed singleton births only, a rise in maternal age resulting in shorter gestation age may have played a major role in the incline of preterm birth rate.…”

Epidemiologic study of bladder and urethral injury in Korea: A nationwide population-based study

“…As can be seen from our results, hysterectomy and cesarean section accounted for 22% and 1.5% of bladder injury cases, respectively. In particular, Korean women have a high preference for cesarean section; more than 40% of all births are performed through cesarean section, and maternal age and the incidence of placenta previa have also increased as a result of cesarean section [ 13 ]. In Korea, many obstetrics and gynecology surgeries are performed laparoscopically, and the possibility of bladder injury could be higher in laparoscopic surgery than in open surgery [ 12 ].…”

Non-invasive continuous blood pressure monitoring using the ClearSight system for pregnant women at high risks of post-partum hemorrhage: comparison with invasive blood pressure monitoring during cesarean section

“…Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal death in South Korea [ 1 ], and it is important to establish a multidisciplinary treatment beforehand, especially for pregnant women at a high risk of PPH such as placenta previa [ 2 , 3 ]. Invasive arterial blood pressure (BP) monitoring, which provides continuous monitoring as well as access to blood draws, is useful for the management of patients with PPH during cesarean section and helps maintain adequate circulation [ 4 , 5 ].…”