Maternal Satisfaction and Childbirth Experience Following Vaginal Delivery Versus Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review.

Authors

Majed Almutairi

Published in

Cureus. Volume 18. Issue 6. Pages e110624. Epub Jun 10, 2026.

Abstract

Childbirth is a crucial experience that impacts women's lives, and the choice between vaginal delivery and cesarean section (C-section) is a critical decision in obstetrics. Maternal satisfaction is influenced by multiple factors since the childbirth experience is a composite of physical, emotional, and social components. Understanding patient evaluation is crucial for providing patient-centered care and improving maternity and neonatal care services. This systematic review aimed to compare patient satisfaction between vaginal and cesarean delivery patients and identify influencing factors. We performed a thorough search of databases for studies published between 2000 and 2024 on patient-reported satisfaction with vaginal delivery vs. C-section interventions. Eligible studies were assessed for methodological quality and relevance. The findings indicated that most women were satisfied with their delivery experience, with vaginal delivery leading to higher satisfaction than C-sections. Factors influencing satisfaction include maternal education, domicile, planned delivery care, healthcare professional gender, complications, partners' education, pain control measures, Apgar scores, and injuries. However, satisfaction levels were not significantly different across other maternal demographic factors or pregnancy-related characteristics. Certain features, such as planned pregnancy and excellent prenatal care, improved satisfaction with both vaginal and cesarean deliveries. The presence of a supporting companion during birth significantly boosted satisfaction levels, especially in primary care settings. Inadequate communication is associated with decreased maternal satisfaction. Therefore, healthcare practitioners should prioritize patient-centered care, good communication, and support. Targeted interventions are recommended, considering factors that influence the delivery of maternal and child care services.

PMID:
42434662
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 11 Jul 2026.

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