Caesarean section is one of the oldest operations in the history of surgery, however, until recent decades it was usually used as a last resort because of the high maternal mortality associated with its performance. As the safety of the operation improved, it has been used much more liberally in obstetric practice and in the last 20 years most countries have experienced a marked upward trend in caesarean deliveries. Concern has been expressed from both medical and lay people about the increased use of this intervention. Justification of the increase is usually made by linking caesarean section rates with perinatal mortality statistics, although most recent studies have failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between improved perinatal outcome and the increased use of caesarean section. Many studies have been published on the determinants of the rise in caesarean section rates but comparatively few have addressed the physical, psychological and social consequences of the operation. This study was designed to further knowledge of the immediate, short-term and long-term effects of caesarean delivery for both the mother and her baby. The general aims of the study were: 1. To describe the current practice with regard to caesarean section in a large university teaching hospital 2. To compare the characteristics of women delivered by caesarean section with those delivered vaginally using routinely available data (SMR2) 3. To describe the immediate, short-term and long-term morbidity experienced by women delivered by this method 4. To compare the immediate, short-term and long-term morbidity experienced by women by the timing of caesarean section 5. To determine women's knowledge of the reasons for the performance of the operation 6. To compare the views of primigravidae delivered vaginally and by caesarean section of their experience on this occasion.