Socioeconomic factors and cesarean section in Manipur.

There has been a great change in the household duties and social habits by Manipuri women since World War II, particularly in recent years. Those born after the war have virtually abandoned the old duties and habits, which facilitated the labor process, for modern and Western traditions. In the past, there was hardly any health care program during pregnancy. Every woman, irrespective of socioeconomic status, performed all household work herself. The type of dwelling house, its setup and arrangements for its maintenance also influenced the ease of childbirth. An analysis of the effects of socioeconomic changes and the expanded health care program on the incidence of cesarean section is presented.