A caesarean section (CS) can be a life-saving intervention when medically indicated, but this procedure can also lead to short-term and long-term health effects for women and children. Given the ...increasing use of CS, particularly without medical indication, an increased understanding of its health effects on women and children has become crucial, which we discuss in this Series paper. The prevalence of maternal mortality and maternal morbidity is higher after CS than after vaginal birth. CS is associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture, abnormal placentation, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, and preterm birth, and these risks increase in a dose–response manner. There is emerging evidence that babies born by CS have different hormonal, physical, bacterial, and medical exposures, and that these exposures can subtly alter neonatal physiology. Short-term risks of CS include altered immune development, an increased likelihood of allergy, atopy, and asthma, and reduced intestinal gut microbiome diversity. The persistence of these risks into later life is less well investigated, although an association between CS use and greater incidence of late childhood obesity and asthma are frequently reported. There are few studies that focus on the effects of CS on cognitive and educational outcomes. Understanding potential mechanisms that link CS with childhood outcomes, such as the role of the developing neonatal microbiome, has potential to inform novel strategies and research for optimising CS use and promote optimal physiological processes and development.
In this Series paper, we describe the frequency of, trends in, determinants of, and inequalities in caesarean section (CS) use, globally, regionally, and in selected countries. On the basis of data ...from 169 countries that include 98·4% of the world's births, we estimate that 29·7 million (21·1%, 95% uncertainty interval 19·9–22·4) births occurred through CS in 2015, which was almost double the number of births by this method in 2000 (16·0 million 12·1%, 10·9–13·3 births). CS use in 2015 was up to ten times more frequent in the Latin America and Caribbean region, where it was used in 44·3% (41·3–47·4) of births, than in the west and central Africa region, where it was used in 4·1% (3·6–4·6) of births. The global and regional increases in CS use were driven both by an increasing proportion of births occurring in health facilities (accounting for 66·5% of the global increase) and increases in CS use within health facilities (33·5%), with considerable variation between regions. Based on the most recent data available for each country, 15% of births in 106 (63%) of 169 countries were by CS, whereas 47 (28%) countries showed CS use in less than 10% of births. National CS use varied from 0·6% in South Sudan to 58·1% in the Dominican Republic. Within-country disparities in CS use were also very large: CS use was almost five times more frequent in births in the richest versus the poorest quintiles in low-income and middle-income countries; markedly high CS use was observed among low obstetric risk births, especially among more educated women in, for example, Brazil and China; and CS use was 1·6 times more frequent in private facilities than in public facilities.
In 1985, WHO stated that there was no justification for caesarean section (CS) rates higher than 10-15% at population-level. While the CS rates worldwide have continued to increase in an ...unprecedented manner over the subsequent three decades, concern has been raised about the validity of the 1985 landmark statement. We conducted a systematic review to identify, critically appraise and synthesize the analyses of the ecologic association between CS rates and maternal, neonatal and infant outcomes. Four electronic databases were searched for ecologic studies published between 2000 and 2014 that analysed the possible association between CS rates and maternal, neonatal or infant mortality or morbidity. Two reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and quality assessment independently. We identified 11,832 unique citations and eight studies were included in the review. Seven studies correlated CS rates with maternal mortality, five with neonatal mortality, four with infant mortality, two with LBW and one with stillbirths. Except for one, all studies were cross-sectional in design and five were global analyses of national-level CS rates versus mortality outcomes. Although the overall quality of the studies was acceptable; only two studies controlled for socio-economic factors and none controlled for clinical or demographic characteristics of the population. In unadjusted analyses, authors found a strong inverse relationship between CS rates and the mortality outcomes so that maternal, neonatal and infant mortality decrease as CS rates increase up to a certain threshold. In the eight studies included in this review, this threshold was at CS rates between 9 and 16%. However, in the two studies that adjusted for socio-economic factors, this relationship was either weakened or disappeared after controlling for these confounders. CS rates above the threshold of 9-16% were not associated with decreases in mortality outcomes regardless of adjustments. Our findings could be interpreted to mean that at CS rates below this threshold, socio-economic development may be driving the ecologic association between CS rates and mortality. On the other hand, at rates higher than this threshold, there is no association between CS and mortality outcomes regardless of adjustment. The ecological association between CS rates and relevant morbidity outcomes needs to be evaluated before drawing more definite conclusions at population level.
Objective
To investigate the association between planned mode of birth after previous caesarean section and a child’s risk of having a record of special educational needs (SENs).
Design
...Population‐based cohort study.
Setting
Scotland.
Population
A cohort of 44 892 singleton children born at term in Scotland between 2002 and 2011 to women with one or more previous caesarean sections.
Methods
Linkage of Scottish national health and education data sets.
Main outcome measures
Any SENs and specific types of SEN recorded when a child was aged 4–11 years and attending a Scottish primary or special school.
Results
Children born following planned vaginal birth after previous caesarean (VBAC) compared with elective repeat caesarean section (ERCS) had a similar risk of having a record of any SENs (19.24 versus 17.63%, adjusted risk ratio aRR 1.04, 95% CI 0.99–1.09) or specific types of SEN. There was also little evidence that planned VBAC with or without labour induction compared with ERCS was associated with a child’s risk of having a record of any SENs (21.42 versus 17.63%, aRR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.17 and 18.78 versus 17.63%, aRR 1.03, 95% CI 0.98–1.08, respectively) or most types of SEN. However, an increased risk of sensory impairment was seen for planned VBAC with labour induction compared with ERCS (1.18 versus 0.78%, risk difference 0.4%, adjusted odds ratio aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.09–2.34).
Conclusions
This study provides little evidence of an association between planned mode of birth after previous caesarean and SENs in childhood beyond a small absolute increased risk of sensory impairment seen for planned VBAC with labour induction. This finding may be the result of performing multiple comparisons or residual confounding. The findings provide valuable information to manage and counsel women with previous caesarean section concerning their future birth choices.
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There is little evidence planned mode of birth after previous caesarean section is associated with special educational needs in childhood.
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There is little evidence planned mode of birth after previous caesarean section is associated with special educational needs in childhood.
The caesarean section (c-section) rate in Canada is 27.1%, well above the 5-15% of deliveries suggested by the World Health Organization in 2009. Emergency and planned c-sections may adversely affect ...breastfeeding initiation, milk supply and infant breastfeeding receptivity compared to vaginal deliveries. Our study examined mode of delivery and breastfeeding initiation, duration, and difficulties reported by mothers at 4 months postpartum.
The All Our Babies study is a prospective pregnancy cohort in Calgary, Alberta, that began in 2008. Participants completed questionnaires at <25 and 34-36 weeks gestation and approximately 4 months postpartum. Demographic, mental health, lifestyle, and health services data were obtained. Women giving birth to singleton infants were included (n = 3021). Breastfeeding rates and difficulties according to mode of birth (vaginal, planned c-section and emergency c-section) were compared using cross-tabulations and chi-square tests. A multivariable logistic regression model was created to examine the association between mode of birth on breastfeeding duration to 12 weeks postpartum.
More women who delivered by planned c-section had no intention to breastfeed or did not initiate breastfeeding (7.4% and 4.3% respectively), when compared to women with vaginal births (3.4% and 1.8%, respectively) and emergency c-section (2.7% and 2.5%, respectively). Women who delivered by emergency c-section were found to have a higher proportion of breastfeeding difficulties (41%), and used more resources before (67%) and after (58%) leaving the hospital, when compared to vaginal delivery (29%, 40%, and 52%, respectively) or planned c-sections (33%, 49%, and 41%, respectively). Women who delivered with a planned c-section were more likely (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.26; p = 0.014) to discontinue breastfeeding before 12 weeks postpartum compared to those who delivered vaginally, controlling for income, education, parity, preterm birth, maternal physical and mental health, ethnicity and breastfeeding difficulties.
We found that when controlling for socio-demographic and labor and delivery characteristics, planned c-section is associated with early breastfeeding cessation. Anticipatory guidance around breastfeeding could be provided to women considering a planned c-section. As well, additional supportive care could be made available to lactating women with emergency c-sections, within the first 24 hours post birth and throughout the early postpartum period.
Optimising the use of caesarean section (CS) is of global concern. Underuse leads to maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Conversely, overuse of CS has not shown benefits and can create ...harm. Worldwide, the frequency of CS continues to increase, and interventions to reduce unnecessary CSs have shown little success. Identifying the underlying factors for the continuing increase in CS use could improve the efficacy of interventions. In this Series paper, we describe the factors for CS use that are associated with women, families, health professionals, and health-care organisations and systems, and we examine behavioural, psychosocial, health system, and financial factors. We also outline the type and effects of interventions to reduce CS use that have been investigated. Clinical interventions, such as external cephalic version for breech delivery at term, vaginal breech delivery in appropriately selected women, and vaginal birth after CS, could reduce the frequency of CS use. Approaches such as labour companionship and midwife-led care have been associated with higher proportions of physiological births, safer outcomes, and lower health-care costs relative to control groups without these interventions, and with positive maternal experiences, in high-income countries. Such approaches need to be assessed in middle-income and low-income countries. Educational interventions for women should be complemented with meaningful dialogue with health professionals and effective emotional support for women and families. Investing in the training of health professionals, eliminating financial incentives for CS use, and reducing fear of litigation is fundamental. Safe, private, welcoming, and adequately resourced facilities are needed. At the country level, effective medical leadership is essential to ensure CS is used only when indicated. We conclude that interventions to reduce overuse must be multicomponent and locally tailored, addressing women's and health professionals' concerns, as well as health system and financial factors.
Objective
To use data from routine sources to compare rates of obstetric intervention in Europe both overall and for subgroups at higher risk of intervention.
Design
Retrospective analysis of ...aggregated routine data.
Setting
Thirty‐one European countries or regions contributing data on mode of delivery to the Euro‐Peristat project.
Population
Births in participating countries in 2010.
Methods
Countries provided aggregated data about overall rates of obstetric intervention and about caesarean section rates for specified subgroups.
Main outcome measures
Mode of delivery.
Results
Rates of caesarean section ranged from 14.8% to 52.2% of all births and rates of instrumental vaginal delivery ranged from 0.5% to 16.4%. Overall, there was no association between rates of instrumental vaginal delivery and rates of caesarean section, but similarities were observed between some countries that are geographically close and may share common traditions of practice. Associations were observed between caesarean section rates for women with breech and vertex births and with singleton and multiple births but patterns of association for women who had and had not had previous caesarean sections were more complex.
Conclusions
The persisting wide variations in caesarean section and instrumental vaginal delivery rates point to a lack of consensus about practice and raise questions for further investigation. Further research is needed to explore the impact of differences in clinical guidelines, healthcare systems and their financing and parents’ and professionals’ attitudes to care at delivery.
A 15-year-experience of the personal modification of Misgav Ladach (ML) caesarean section in relation to the Dörffler method.
A retrospective clinical randomized observational study included 822 ...transperitoneal cesarean sections: 557 were performed via modified ML (without bladder catheterization, small transverse fascial incision with muscular stretching and non-preparation of vesicouterine plica) vs. 265 Dörffler (Pfannenstiel – Kerr) method.
Perioperative and postoperative complications were significantly more frequent in the Dörffler method (p < 0.0005) (perioperative hemorrhage, more frequent adhesions, plastic peritonitis in repeated caesarean sections, as well as two bladder lesions). Postoperative febrility, dehiscence and wound seroma were more frequent in the first study group (p < 0.0005). More frequent paralytic ileus, uroinfections and bladder atony, which we did not observe in our own technique (p < 0.0005). The use of antibiotics and analgesics was prolonged until the fifth postoperative day in the first group compared to the second group where it was reduced to only 10 % on the second day (p < 0.0005). Also, the incidence of anemia and the need for blood transfusions were higher in the first study group, as well as the need for revision behind caesarean section and two hysterectomies due to massive postoperative intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal bleeding (p < 0.0005).
Our fifteen-year study highlighted the importance of our own published modified ML caesarean section in minimizing technique of surgery and the reduction of perioperative morbidity and significantly faster recovery of operated patients in the current era of enormous caesarean section increase.
Objective
To determine the risk of spontaneous and medically indicated preterm birth associated with mode of birth in previous term‐born pregnancy.
Design
Retrospective cohort study.
Setting
Two UK ...maternity units.
Population or sample
A total of 16 340 women with first two consecutive singleton births and the first birth at term.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected clinical data.
Main outcome measures
Incidence of spontaneous preterm birth and medically indicated preterm birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation after term birth, in relation to mode of birth in first pregnancy. Subgroup analysis on cervical dilatation at the time of first caesarean birth.
Results
Compared with vaginal birth, emergency caesarean birth at full dilatation was associated with an increase in spontaneous preterm birth (2.3% vaginal birth versus 4.5% full dilatation caesarean; adjusted odds ratio aOR 3.29, 95% CI 2.02–5.13, P < 0.001). Elective caesarean, emergency caesarean at <4 cm dilatation, and emergency caesarean at 4–9 cm dilatation were associated with increased medically indicated preterm birth (0.8% vaginal births versus 1.9% elective caesarean, 3.3% <4 cm caesarean, 1.3% 4–9 cm caesarean; aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.19–4.15, P = 0.009; aOR 4.68, 95% CI 2.98–7.24, P < 0.001; and aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.43–4.00, P = 0.001, respectively).
Conclusions
Term caesarean in the first stage of labour or performed prelabour is associated with medically indicated preterm birth. Term caesarean in the second stage of labour is associated with spontaneous preterm birth.
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Caesarean in the second stage of labour is associated with spontaneous preterm birth.
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Caesarean in the second stage of labour is associated with spontaneous preterm birth.
Extremely preterm infants contribute disproportionately to neonatal morbidity and mortality.
To review 20-year trends in maternal/neonatal care, complications, and mortality among extremely preterm ...infants born at Neonatal Research Network centers.
Prospective registry of 34,636 infants, 22 to 28 weeks' gestation, birth weight of 401 to 1500 g, and born at 26 network centers between 1993 and 2012.
Extremely preterm birth.
Maternal/neonatal care, morbidities, and survival. Major morbidities, reported for infants who survived more than 12 hours, were severe necrotizing enterocolitis, infection, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, severe intracranial hemorrhage, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, and/or severe retinopathy of prematurity. Regression models assessed yearly changes and were adjusted for study center, race/ethnicity, gestational age, birth weight for gestational age, and sex.
Use of antenatal corticosteroids increased from 1993 to 2012 (24% 348 of 1431 infants) to 87% (1674 of 1919 infants; P < .001), as did cesarean delivery (44% 625 of 1431 births to 64% 1227 of 1921; P < .001). Delivery room intubation decreased from 80% (1144 of 1433 infants) in 1993 to 65% (1253 of 1922) in 2012 (P < .001). After increasing in the 1990s, postnatal steroid use declined to 8% (141 of 1757 infants) in 2004 (P < .001), with no significant change thereafter. Although most infants were ventilated, continuous positive airway pressure without ventilation increased from 7% (120 of 1666 infants) in 2002 to 11% (190 of 1756 infants) in 2012 (P < .001). Despite no improvement from 1993 to 2004, rates of late-onset sepsis declined between 2005 and 2012 for infants of each gestational age (median, 26 weeks 37% {109 of 296} to 27% {85 of 320}; adjusted relative risk RR, 0.93 95% CI, 0.92-0.94). Rates of other morbidities declined, but bronchopulmonary dysplasia increased between 2009 and 2012 for infants at 26 to 27 weeks' gestation (26 weeks, 50% 130 of 258 to 55% 164 of 297; P < .001). Survival increased between 2009 and 2012 for infants at 23 weeks' gestation (27% 41 of 152 to 33% 50 of 150; adjusted RR, 1.09 95% CI, 1.05-1.14) and 24 weeks (63% 156 of 248 to 65% 174 of 269; adjusted RR, 1.05 95% CI, 1.03-1.07), with smaller relative increases for infants at 25 and 27 weeks' gestation, and no change for infants at 22, 26, and 28 weeks' gestation. Survival without major morbidity increased approximately 2% per year for infants at 25 to 28 weeks' gestation, with no change for infants at 22 to 24 weeks' gestation.
Among extremely preterm infants born at US academic centers over the last 20 years, changes in maternal and infant care practices and modest reductions in several morbidities were observed, although bronchopulmonary dysplasia increased. Survival increased most markedly for infants born at 23 and 24 weeks' gestation and survival without major morbidity increased for infants aged 25 to 28 weeks. These findings may be valuable in counseling families and developing novel interventions.
clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00063063.
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