Cesarean 'affects odds of future pregnancy'
Source: BJOG: an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2005;
112: 1061-5
Investigating the influence of primary mode of delivery on the likelihood of
subsequent pregnancy.
A 17-year study has shown that women who undergo cesarean delivery are less
likely than other mothers to have another pregnancy.
The research, which involved over 25,000 women whose babies were delivered
between 1980 and 1997, has not, however, revealed whether this observation
is due to an actual decline in fertility, or is a result of choice, points
out Jill Mollison, from the University of Aberdeen in the UK, who led the
study.
Analyzing data for women who gave birth at the Aberdeen Maternity Hospital,
the authors report that 66.9 percent of women who had a cesarean delivery
became pregnant again, compared with 73.9 percent of those who had a
spontaneous birth, and 71.6 percent of those who had an instrumental vaginal
delivery.
In addition, the average length of time until the next pregnancy was
extended for women with a prior cesarean birth, and the risk of ectopic
pregnancy was increased.
In view of the findings, Peter Bowen-Simpkins, from the Royal College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: "Those involved in the delivery of
obstetric care should be aware of the association and consider its
implications when making a decision to perform a cesarean section."
Posted: 3 August 2005
Leanne Wynne
Midwife in charge of "Women's Business"
Mildura Aboriginal Health Service Mob 0418 371862
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