Objectives: To assess Flemish obstetricians' preferences about mode of delivery for themselves or their partners and to determine the frequency of caesarean section on demand in Flanders.
Study design: A structured anonymous postal questionnaire was sent to all 672 registered gynaecologist-obstetricians in Flanders.
Results: The response rate was 44%. In the case of an uncomplicated singleton first pregnancy with a cephalic presentation 2% preferred elective caesarean section. There was no difference between male and female obstetricians. Seventy percent said that they would never perform caesarean section on demand. At least 2.6% of all caesarean sections in Flanders seems to be performed on patient's demand.
Conclusion: The attitude of Flemish gynaecologist-obstetricians is clearly in favour of vaginal delivery both for themselves, their partners and their patients.