Aim: To examine the trends in frequency of Caesarean section in New Zealand.
Methods: Caesarean section rates (CSR) were calculated from the National Minimum Data Set between 1988/89 and 1994/95. Demographic data relating to women having Caesarean sections were examined for 1994/95. The results were checked with regional health authorities and Crown health enterprises containing teaching hospitals.
Results: The national CSR, which was 9.6% in 1983/84, increased from 11.6% in 1988/89 to 15.3% in 1994/95. Previous Caesarean and dystocia are reported to be the indicators for nearly half of all Caesareans.
Conclusions: The national CSR is high and continues to increase. The international literature shows that national recommendations to reduce the CSR are less effective than hospital-based initiatives.