A comparative study on maternal and fetal outcomes in emergency versus elective caesarean section

Abstract

Background: The incidence of caesarean section has progressively increased worldwide over the past few decades. Alongside this rise, the number of indications—many of them unnecessary—has also expanded, resulting in indiscriminate use. Caesarean section is performed as an emergency or elective procedure depending on maternal and fetal conditions. Evidence suggests that the risk of surgical complications is higher in emergency caesarean sections than in elective ones.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes in elective versus emergency caesarean sections performed at our hospital from July 2024 to July 2025.
Results: Among 1,980 total deliveries, 1,158 were normal vaginal deliveries, 102 were instrumental, and 720 were caesarean sections. Of the caesarean deliveries, 350 were emergency and 370 were elective. Overall operative complications were observed in 85 cases (11.8%), with the majority occurring in the emergency group.
Conclusions: Elective caesarean sections are associated with fewer maternal and perinatal complications compared to emergency caesarean sections.