Caesarean section (CS) rates are increasing and there are wide variations in rates internationally and nationally. There is evidence that women who attend their obstetrician privately have a higher incidence of CS than those who attend publicly. The purpose of this observational study was to further investigate why CS rates may be higher in women who chose to attend their obstetrician privately.

This study analysed data collected as part of the clinical records by midwives at the woman’s first antenatal appointment in a large European maternity hospital. All women who delivered between the years 2009 and 2017 were included. Data were analysed both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.