Background:

There is consensus that cesarean section has been essential in reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality, however, since 1985 experts consulted by the World Health Organization (WHO), concluded that the ideal rate of cesarean sections should range between 10 and 15%. The current and real proportion exceeds what is recommended. The latest report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), published in January 2019, places Chile in third place with the highest percentage of cesarean sections. This data is worrying since the excess of surgical interventions vs. normal delivery is associated with increased maternal morbidity and mortality and increased risk to the newborn.

Objective:

To review the percentages of cesarean sections in maternal deaths, both in public and private establishments in the Los Lagos region, Chile, and to detect if there is an association between cesarean sections and maternal mortality.

Results:

A relationship between cesarean sections and maternal deaths, can be seen.

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