Best Practices in the Use of Cesarean Sections in Nova Scotia

Between 1970 and 2006 the cesarean section rate in Canada more than quadrupled from 6% to 26%. Similar increases have occurred in every province, including Nova Scotia where the cesarean section rate in 2006 was 27%. As part of an effort to understand the reasons for increased interventions in childbirth in our province, the Reproductive Care Program of Nova Scotia conducted quality assessment reviews in four different centres. This report outlines the collective findings from these reviews, describes the factors that appear to support best practices in maternity care with respect to cesarean sections in Nova Scotia, and presents recommendations for local and provincial action.