A cross-sectional survey of 3,127 postpartum women in 32 hospitals across Argentina, Burkina Faso, Thailand and Viet Nam analyzed open-ended views of birth modes. Vaginal birth was most often valued for faster recovery and shorter stay (85.7%) and better mobility (55.7%). Caesarean section was commonly framed as avoiding labor pain (49.2%), emergency caesarean (26%) or instrumental birth (22.4%), rather than for intrinsic benefits.
Key findings
- Women valued vaginal birth mainly for recovery and practical reasons. • Caesarean birth was often viewed as avoiding pain or adverse vaginal-birth experiences. • The findings support better information, pain management and psychosocial support.
Why this matters globally
The multi-country evidence can inform shared decision-making that respects women’s concerns while addressing rising caesarean rates.
Thai researcher contribution
Khon Kaen University’s Pisake Lumbiganon contributes to the four-country QUALI-DEC collaboration.
Limitations to consider
Postpartum recall and outcomes may shape responses; open-text coding is language-sensitive, and the cross-sectional design cannot show how beliefs caused actual choices.