A survey of trainee obstetricians preferences for childbirth.

OBJECTIVE

To determine trainee obstetricians personal preferences regarding mode and place of delivery given various scenarios.

STUDY

DESIGN

An anonymous nationwide postal survey of 365 specialist registrars.

RESULTS

The response rate was 76%. About 2.5% preferred a home birth. And 16% of men and 15% of women opted for elective cesarean section (CS). When faced with a proposed trial of instrumental delivery in theatre, 60% accepted and a further 12% accepted only if they could choose the obstetrician performing the delivery. Regarding a breech presentation at term, 78% would accept external cephalic version (ECV).

CONCLUSIONS

The percentage of obstetricians who preferred vaginal delivery and ECV were considerably higher than previously reported, and there were no significant gender differences. This study shows a more balanced attitude from obstetricians and refutes the previously held view that they necessarily advocate high levels of intervention for themselves.