Table 4 Routine caesarean delivery practices reported by surgical providers
% of providers* | |
|---|---|
Practices that are usually considered unnecessary and potentially harmful | |
Administer enema prior to cesarean delivery | 3% |
Shave the abdomen and public hair prior to cesarean | 3% |
Open the uterine cavity by vertical incision (n = 76) | 4% |
Close the peritoneum (n = 77) | 32% |
Routinely transfuse one unit of blood during or after cesarean (n = 77) | 18% |
Routinely perform tubal ligation after the mother’s third cesarean delivery (n = 77) | 25% |
Restrict oral intake for 24 hours postoperatively | 94% |
Restrict ambulation for 24 hours postoperatively | 29% |
Prescribe antibiotics for 5 to 7 days in all postoperative cases (n = 76) | 71% |
Routinely conduct cesarean delivery for women who have eclampsia (n = 69) | 21% |
Routinely conduct cesarean delivery for women who are considered short in stature and are primigravidas (n = 76) | 28% |
Routinely conduct cesarean delivery for women who have had one prior cesarean delivery (n = 76) | 18% |
Routinely conduct cesarean delivery for women who have meconium-stained fluid in early labor (n = 77) | 42% |
Practices that are considered appropriate for routine care | |
Use regional anesthesia (n = 73) | 68% |
Open the abdomen using transverse incision (n = 77) | 70% |
Routinely conduct cesarean delivery for women who have had two prior cesarean deliveries | 82% |