Method of delivery and pregnancy outcomes in Asia: the WHO global survey on maternal and perinatal health 2007-08.

The article discusses the third phase of the global survey on the methods of delivery and pregnancy outcomes in Asia. The survey was conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Philippines, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. It found that the overall cesarean section rate was 27.3 percent, while operative vaginal delivery was 3.2 percent. The risk of maternal mortality and morbidity was found to be increased in both operative vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Study authors concluded that cesarean section should not be done if no clinical indication is present.