The Robson classification system categorizes women into 10 groups based on obstetric characteristics to allow standardized audit of cesarean rates. A primigravida with a singleton cephalic pregnancy at term in spontaneous labor belongs to which Robson group, and what is its WHO benchmark target for cesarean rate?

• A Robson Group 1; target CS rate < 10% ✓
• B Robson Group 2a; target CS rate < 20%
• C Robson Group 5; target CS rate 60–80%
• D Robson Group 3; target CS rate < 15%

Explanation

Robson Group 1 comprises nulliparous women with a singleton cephalic pregnancy at ≥ 37 weeks in spontaneous labor. This is the benchmark group, and WHO suggests Robson Group 1 CS rates above 10% warrant review of clinical practices because this represents the lowest-risk group for cesarean. Robson Group 5 is the largest contributor to overall CS rates globally (previous CS, term singleton cephalic) with expected rates 60–80%. The Robson classification (2001, revised 2015 by WHO) enables hospitals to identify which group drives their overall CS rate and implement targeted quality improvement.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.