factors contributing to cesarean sections among mothers and their short-term effects on postpartum outcomes: a case-control study

Background objective: cesarean sections are common worldwide, often influenced by multiple socio-demographic, obstetric, and clinical factors. this study was conducted with aim to identify the factors contributing to cesarean deliveries and assess their short-term effects on postpartum outcomes.materials methods: this case-control study was conducted in babylon governorate hospitals, iraq. the study population included 300 participants: 150 women who delivered by cesarean section (cases) and 150 who delivered vaginally (controls). participants were matched for demographic characteristics. data was collected using structured questionnaires and medical records. data were analyzed using spss software (version 25) and descriptive statistics, chi-square test, odds ratio, and logistic regression analysis. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.results: key predictors of cesarean delivery included a history of previous cs (or=14.58; p<0.001), prolonged labor (>12 hours) (or=6.08; p<0.001), pregnancy complications (or=6.12; p<0.001), non-cephalic fetal presentation (or=5.09; p<0.001), and primiparity (or=5.33; p<0.001). overweight maternal bmi and labor induction further increased cs likelihood (or=4.13 and or=4.50, respectively; p<0.001). short-term postpartum effects included higher rates of surgical complications, delayed breastfeeding initiation, and increased hospital readmissions among women who had cesarean deliveries.conclusion: caesarean section is associated with significant risk factors and adverse postpartum outcomes. strategies to reduce unnecessary cesarean sections include promoting education about early pregnancy, optimal birth management, and addressing modifiable risk factors such as maternal body mass index. future research should explore long-term postpartum effects and interventional strategies to reduce the rates of cesarean section.