Persistent urinary incontinence and delivery mode history: a six-year longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of persistent and long term postpartum urinary incontinence and associations with mode of first and subsequent delivery. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SETTING: Maternity units in Aberdeen (Scotland), Birmingham (England) and Dunedin (New Zealand). POPULATION: Women (4214) who returned postal questionnaires three months and six years after the index birth. METHODS: Symptom data were obtained from both questionnaires and obstetric data from case-notes for the index birth and the second questionnaire for subsequent births. Logistic regression investigated the independent effects of mode of first delivery and delivery mode history. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Urinary incontinence-persistent (at three months and six years after index birth) and long term (at six years after index birth). RESULTS: The prevalence of persistent urinary incontinence was 24%. Delivering exclusively by caesarean section was associated with both less persistent (OR=0.46, 95% CI 0.32-0.68) and long term urinary incontinence (OR=0.50, 95% CI 0.40-0.63). Caesarean section birth in addition to vaginal delivery, however, was not associated with significantly less persistent incontinence (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.67-1.29). There were no significant associations between persistent or long term urinary incontinence and forceps or vacuum extraction delivery. Other significantly associated factors were increasing number of births and older maternal age. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of persistent and long term urinary incontinence is significantly lower following caesarean section deliveries but not if there is another vaginal birth. Even when delivering exclusively by caesarean section, the prevalence of persistent symptoms (14%) is still high.     

Faecal incontinence and mode of first and subsequent delivery: a six-year longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of persistent and long term postpartum faecal incontinence and associations with mode of first and subsequent deliveries. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SETTING: Maternity units in Aberdeen, Birmingham and Dunedin. POPULATION: Four thousand two hundred and fourteen women who returned postal questionnaires three months and six years postpartum. METHODS: Symptom data were obtained from both questionnaires and obstetric data from case-notes for the index birth and the second questionnaire for subsequent births. Logistic regression investigated the independent effects of mode of first delivery and delivery history. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incontinence to bowel motions three months and six years after index birth. For delivery history, the outcome was incontinence only at six years. RESULTS: The prevalence of persistent faecal incontinence was 3.6%. Almost 90% of these women reported no symptoms before their first birth. The forceps delivery of a first baby was independently predictive of persistent symptoms (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.40-3.04). A caesarean section first birth was not significantly associated with persistent symptoms (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.64-1.81). Delivering exclusively by caesarean section also showed no association with subsequent symptoms (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.72-1.50) but ever having forceps was significantly predictive (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.18-1.87). Other factors independently associated with persistent faecal incontinence were older maternal age, increasing number of births and Asian ethnic group. Birthweight and long second stage were not significantly associated. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of persistent faecal incontinence is significantly higher after a first delivery by forceps. We found no evidence of a lower risk of subsequent faecal incontinence for exclusive caesarean section deliveries.     

How much influence do women in Sweden have on caesarean section? A follow-up study of women's preferences in early pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: to investigate factors associated with having a caesarean section, with special emphasis on women's preferences in early pregnancy. DESIGN: a cohort study using data from questionnaires in early pregnancy and 2 months after childbirth, and data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. SETTING: women were recruited from 97% of all antenatal clinics in Sweden at their booking visit during 3 weeks between 1999 and 2000, and followed up 2 months after birth. PARTICIPANTS: a total of 2878 Swedish-speaking women were included in the study (87% of those who consented to participate and 63% of all women eligible for the study). FINDINGS: Of 236 women who wished to have their babies delivered by caesarean section when asked in early pregnancy, 30.5% subsequently had an elective caesarean section and 14.8% an emergency caesarean section. The logistic regression analyses showed that, a preference for caesarean section in early pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 9.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.94-15.59), a medical diagnosis (OR 9.03, 95% CI 5.68-14.34), age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.13), parity (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.91), a previous elective caesarean section (OR 15.11, 95% CI 6.83-33.41) and a previous emergency caesarean section (OR 18.29, 95% CI 10.00-33.44) was associated with having an elective caesarean section. Having an emergency caesarean section was associated with a preference for a caesarean section (OR 2.59, 95% 1.61 to 4.18), a medical diagnosis (OR 4.12, 95% CI 2.91-5.88), age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.05-1.12), primiparity (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.78-6.27), a previous emergency caesarean section (OR 10.69, 95% CI 6.03-18.94), and a previous elective caesarean section (OR 7.21, 95% CI 2.90-17.92). KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: a woman's own preference about caesarean section was associated with the subsequent mode of delivery. Asking women about their preference regarding mode of delivery in early pregnancy may increase the opportunity to provide adequate support and possibly also to reduce the caesarean section rate.     

Stress urinary incontinence 4 years after the first delivery: a retrospective cohort survey

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence 4 years after the first delivery and analyze its risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective cohort survey was conducted in a French university hospital. The 669 primiparous women who delivered in our department in 1996 a singleton in a vertex position between 37 and 41 weeks of amenorrhea were included. A mailed questionnaire was sent 4 years after the indexed delivery. The main outcome measure was stress urinary incontinence 4 years after the first delivery. RESULTS: Three hundred and seven women replied, 274 had moved and 88 did not respond. Four years after the first delivery, prevalence of stress urinary incontinence was 29% (89/307). According to multiple logistic regression analysis, the independent risk factors were urine leakage before the first pregnancy [odds ratio (OR) 18.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6-96.4], urine leakage during the first pregnancy (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.3-4.8), duration of first labor > or = 8 h (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.7-5.7), mother's age > 30 years at the first delivery (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.4-4.2) and cesarean section at the first delivery (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.9). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that stress urinary incontinence after pregnancy arises from a multifactorial condition. The main risk factors are: age, previous incontinence (before or during the first pregnancy), prolonged labor and vaginal delivery.     

Effects of carrying a pregnancy and of method of delivery on urinary incontinence: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to identify risk factors associated with urinary incontinence in women three months after giving birth. METHODS: Urinary incontinence before and during pregnancy was assessed at study enrolment early in the third trimester. Incontinence was re-assessed three months postpartum. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the role of maternal and obstetric factors in causing postpartum urinary incontinence. This prospective cohort study in 949 pregnant women in Quebec, Canada was nested within a randomised controlled trial of prenatal perineal massage. RESULTS: Postpartum urinary incontinence was increased with prepregnancy incontinence (adjusted odds ratio [adj0R] 6.44, 95% CI 4.15, 9.98), incontinence beginning during pregnancy (adjOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.32, 2.83), and higher prepregnancy body mass index (adjOR 1.07/unit of BMI, 95% CI 1.03,1.11). Caesarean section was highly protective (adjOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.14, 0.50). While there was a trend towards increasing incontinence with forceps delivery (adjOR 1.73, 95% CI 0.96, 3.13) this was not statistically significant. The weight of the baby, episiotomy, the length of the second stage of labour, and epidural analgesia were not predictive of urinary incontinence. Nor was prenatal perineal massage, the randomised controlled trial intervention. When the analysis was limited to women having their first vaginal birth, the same risk factors were important, with similar adjusted odds ratios. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary incontinence during pregnancy is extremely common, affecting over half of pregnant women. Urinary incontinence beginning during pregnancy roughly doubles the likelihood of urinary incontinence at 3 months postpartum, regardless whether delivery is vaginal or by Caesarean section.     

Uterine rupture and risk factors for caesarean delivery following induced labour in women with one previous lower segment caesarean section

Objective: To determine the outcome of induction of labor, specifically incidence of uterine rupture and reliable predictors of repeat caesarean delivery, in women undergoing induction of labor after previous caesarean section. Methods: A review of obstetric and perinatal records of 167 women who had their labor induced after one transverse lower uterine incision performed at previous caesarean delivery in a referral tertiary hospital in Nigeria between January 2006 and December 2009. Results: The incidence of uterine rupture was 2.4%. Independent risk factors for repeat caesarean delivery were absence of prior vaginal delivery (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.9–7.1), duration of latent phase >2?h (OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.7–11.2), postdated pregnancy (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1–4.0) and previous caesarean for non-recurrent indication (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1–4.0). Conclusion: Choice of appropriate delivery option for this cohort of women based on the identified risk factors is essential to minimize the incidence of failed vaginal birth and its associated adverse maternal and neonatal outcome.     

Short-term maternal and neonatal outcomes by mode of delivery. A case-controlled study

OBJECTIVE: Side-by-side comparisons of short-term maternal and neonatal outcomes for spontaneous vaginal delivery, instrumental vaginal delivery, planned caesarean section and caesarean section during labor in patients matched for clinical condition, age, and week of gestation are lacking. This case-controlled study was undertaken to evaluate short-term maternal and neonatal complications in a healthy population at term by mode of delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Four groups of healthy women, with antenatally normal singleton pregnancies at term, who underwent instrumental vaginal delivery (no. 201), spontaneous delivery (no. 402), planned caesarean section without labor (no. 402) and caesarean section in labor (no. 402) have been retrospectively selected. Outcome measures were maternal and neonatal short-term complications. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Maternal complications were mostly associated with forceps-assisted and vacuum-assisted instrumental deliveries (OR: 6.9; 95% CI: 2.9-16.4 and OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.1-8.8, respectively, versus spontaneous deliveries). No significant differences in overall complications were observed between spontaneous vaginal deliveries and caesarean sections, whether planned or in labor. By comparison with caesarean sections in labor, instrumental deliveries significantly increased the risk of complications (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.6-6.5). Neonatal complications were also mostly correlated with forceps-assisted and vacuum-assisted instrumental deliveries (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.9-6.7 and OR 3.8; 95% CI 2.0-7.4, respectively, versus spontaneous deliveries). By comparison with caesarean sections in labor, instrumental vaginal deliveries significantly increased the risk of complications (OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 2.4-7.4). CONCLUSIONS: In healthy women with antenatally normal singleton pregnancies at term, instrumental deliveries are associated with the highest rate of short-term maternal and neonatal complications.     

Risk of urinary incontinence after childbirth: a 10-year prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE: To estimate prospectively the effect of first delivery on subjective bladder function and to assess the influence of subsequent deliveries and obstetric events METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational cohort study. During a 10-week period in 1995, 304 of 309 eligible primiparous women (98%) entered the study at the postpartum maternity ward and completed a bladder function questionnaire. The 10-year observational period was completed by 246 of 304 subjects (81%). RESULTS: Prevalence of moderate-severe stress urinary incontinence increased from 5 of 304 subjects (2%) at baseline to 27 of 229 (12%) at 10 years follow-up (P < .001). Prevalence of moderate-severe urinary urgency increased from 0 subjects (0%) at baseline to 31 of 229 (13%) at the 10-year follow-up (P < .001). The relative risk (RR) (adjusted for maternal age and parity) of moderate to severe urinary incontinence increased significantly 10 years after first delivery (RR 5.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-33.7). At multivariable analysis adjusted for age and parity, stress urinary incontinence symptoms at 9 months and 5 years follow-up were independently associated with the presence of symptoms at 10 years after index delivery (RR 13.3, 95% CI 3.9-33.1 and RR 14.1, 95% CI 2.5-18.8, respectively). Number of vaginal deliveries or other obstetric covariates did not affect the risk of stress urinary incontinence or urinary urgency. CONCLUSION: Vaginal delivery is independently associated with a significant long-term increase in stress urinary incontinence symptoms, as well as urinary urgency, regardless of maternal age or number of deliveries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2.     

Obstetric risk factors for stress urinary incontinence: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate obstetric and maternal risk factors for stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: We linked three national, Swedish, population-based registries with the use of unique personal identification numbers. All women born between 1932 and 1977 and operated on for stress urinary incontinence between 1987 and 1996 were identified from the Hospital Discharge Registry. This information was linked with the Medical Birth Registry (for the years 1973-1995), containing information on antenatal care, delivery, and the newborn, and the Fertility Registry (for the years 1932-1997), containing information on the number of children delivered by each Swedish woman. For determination of odds ratios (ORs) and approximate 95% confidence intervals (CIs), we used the Mantel-Haenszel method and a test-based method after suitable stratifications and exclusions. RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus, body mass index (BMI), age at first delivery, parity, birth weight, and epidural analgesia were positively associated with incontinence surgery. In contrast, cesarean delivery, forceps/vacuum extraction, and episiotomy were negatively associated with incontinence surgery. No association was found between surgery for stress incontinence and age at last delivery, smoking during pregnancy, level of education, multiple birth, large perineal tear, or breech presentation at any vaginal delivery. The OR for incontinence surgery was similarly decreased for nulliparous women and for uniparous women delivered by elective cesarean. CONCLUSION: Vaginal delivery, notably the first, is strongly associated with later surgery for stress incontinence, but the association is modified by maternal conditions and interventions during delivery. No association was found between surgery for stress incontinence and pregnancy per se.     

The impact of intrapartum analgesia on infant feeding

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of intrapartum analgesia on infant feeding at hospital discharge. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Maternity unit of a UK district general hospital. POPULATION: A random sample of 425 healthy primiparae delivering healthy singleton babies at term in 2000. METHODS: A random sample of primiparae delivering term neonates was identified from the birth register. We retrieved and analysed the corresponding joint midwifery/obstetric case notes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Infant feeding method at discharge from hospital. RESULTS: Women [190/424 (45%)] were exclusively bottle feeding their babies at discharge from hospital. No one commenced breastfeeding after hospital discharge. Regression analysis revealed that the main determinants of bottle feeding were as follows: maternal age [odds ratio (OR) 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85-0.95 per year]; occupation (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-0.99 for each category, unemployed, manual, non-manual); antenatal feeding intentions (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.080-0.19 for each category, bottle feeding, undecided, breastfeeding); caesarean section (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.13-0.47, caesarean or vaginal delivery); and dose of fentanyl administered intrapartum (OR 1.004, 95% CI 1.000-1.008, 90% CI 1.001-1.007 for each microgram administered, range 8-500 mug). CONCLUSIONS: A dose-response relationship between fentanyl and artificial feeding has not been reported elsewhere. When well-established determinants of infant feeding are accounted for, intrapartum fentanyl may impede establishment of breastfeeding, particularly at higher doses.     

Symptoms of stress incontinence 1 year after childbirth: prevalence and predictors in a national Swedish sample

BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to describe the prevalence of stress incontinence, as described by women themselves, 1 year after childbirth in a national sample of Swedish-speaking women, and to identify possible predictors. METHODS: A cohort study, including 2390 women recruited from 593 antenatal clinics in Sweden during three 1-week periods evenly spread over 1 year (1999-2000), representing 53% of women eligible for the study and 75% of those who consented to participate. Data were collected by means of questionnaires in early pregnancy, 2 months and 1 year after the birth, and from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. RESULTS: One year after the birth, 22% of the women had symptoms of stress incontinence but only 2% said it caused them major problems. The strongest predictor was urinary incontinence (overall leakage) 4-8 weeks after a vaginal delivery (OR 5.5, CI 95% 4.1-7.4) as well as after a cesarean section (OR 11.9, CI 95% 2.9-48.1). Other predictors in women with a vaginal delivery were: multiparity (OR 1.4; CI 95% 1.1-1.8), obesity (OR 1.6; CI 95% 1.1-2.4) and constipation 4-8 weeks postpartum (OR 1.4; CI 95% 1.1-1.9). CONCLUSION: Stress incontinence 1 year after childbirth is a common symptom, which could possibly be reduced by identifying women with urinary leakage at the postnatal check-up.     

The relationship between delivery mode and mortality in very low birthweight singleton vertex-presenting infants

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors associated with caesarean delivery and the relationship between mode of delivery and mortality in singleton vertex-presenting very low birthweight (< or = 1500 g) live born infants. DESIGN: Observational population-based study. SETTING: Data collected from all 28 neonatal departments comprise the Israel National Very Low Birth Weight Infant Database. POPULATION: 2955 singleton vertex-presenting very low birthweight infants registered in the database from 1995 to 2000, and born at 24-34 weeks of gestation. METHODS: The demographic, obstetric and perinatal factors associated with caesarean delivery and subsequent mortality were studied. The independent effect of the mode of delivery on mortality was tested by multiple logistic regression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mortality was defined as death prior to discharge. RESULTS: Caesarean delivery rate was 51.7%. Caesarean delivery was directly associated with increasing maternal age and gestational age, small for gestational age infants, maternal hypertensive disorders and antepartum haemorrhage, and was inversely related to premature labour and prolonged rupture of membranes. Factors associated with increased survival were increasing gestational age, antenatal corticosteroid therapy, maternal hypertensive disorders and no amnionitis. Mortality rate prior to discharge was lower after caesarean delivery (13.2% vs 21.8%), but in the multivariate analysis, adjusting for the other risk factors associated with mortality, delivery mode had no effect on infant survival (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.74-1.33). In a subgroup with amnionitis, a protective effect of caesarean delivery was found. CONCLUSIONS: Caesarean delivery did not enhance survival of vertex-presenting singleton very low birthweight babies. Caesarean delivery cannot be routinely recommended, unless there are other obstetric indications.     

Caesarean section and subsequent fertility in sub-Saharan Africa

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of caesarean section on fertility among women in sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN: Analysis of standardised cross-sectional surveys (Demographic and Health Surveys). SETTING: Twenty-two countries in sub-Saharan Africa, 1993-2003. SAMPLE: A total of 35 398 women of childbearing age (15-49 years). METHODS: Time to subsequent pregnancy was compared by mode of delivery using Cox proportional hazards regression models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Natural fertility rates subsequent to delivery by caesarean section compared with natural fertility rates subsequent to vaginal delivery. RESULTS: The natural fertility rate subsequent to delivery by caesarean section was 17% lower than the natural fertility rate subsequent to vaginal delivery (hazard ratio = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73-0.96, P < 0.01; controlling for age, parity, level of education, urban/rural residence and young age at first intercourse). Caesarean section was also associated with prior fertility and desire for further children: among multiparous women, an interval > or =3 versus <3 years between the index birth and the previous birth was associated with higher odds of caesarean section at the index birth (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.7, P= 0.005); among all women, the odds of desiring further children were lower among women who had previously delivered by caesarean section (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.54-0.84, P < 0.001). Caesarean section did not appear to increase the risk of a subsequent pregnancy ending in miscarriage, abortion or stillbirth. CONCLUSIONS: Among women in sub-Saharan Africa, caesarean section is associated with lower subsequent natural fertility. Although this reflects findings from developed countries, the roles of pathological and psychological factors may be quite different because a much higher proportion of caesarean sections in sub-Saharan Africa are emergency procedures for maternal indication.     

Risk factors at caesarean section and failure of subsequent trial of labour

Objective: To identify risk factors at caesarean section (CS), related to failure of a trial of labour (TOL) in subsequent pregnancy. Study design: Hospital records (1988–1999) of the index pregnancy were reviewed at caesarean delivery for oxytocine use, indication for caesarean, dilatation of cervix, speed of dilatation, duration of contractions and birth weight. The records of the subsequent pregnancy were reviewed for successful vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC), maternal and neonatal outcome. Data were tested for statistical significance with a Mantel–Haenszel equation for odds ratios (OR, with 95% confidence interval (CI)), a Fisher exact test or a Student’s ‘t’-test. Results: From 214 women with a previous caesarean section, 68.7% underwent a TOL, which was successful in 71.4%. A labour pattern during the index pregnancy characterised by oxytocine use (OR=3.1; 95% CI=1.4–7.1), contractions for more than 12 h (OR=3.0; 95% CI=1.3–7.0) and cervical dilatation less than 1 cm/h (OR=5.6; 95% CI=1.1–39.4) increased the risk of a failed TOL at subsequent labour significantly. Conclusion: Women who attempt VBAC may be informed that a labour pattern of their index pregnancy characterised by oxytocine use, contractions for more than 12 h and slow dilatation is associated with a reduced chance of success. A partograph obtained during first labour can be a managerial tool for subsequent labour.     

Preterm caesarean section

A retrospective study of 1921 caesarean sections at Rutherglen Maternity Hospital in Glasgow during the years 1979-1983, inclusive, showed that 229 (12%) were performed at less than 37 weeks gestation. Of these 229 preterm caesarean sections 41% were elective, 21% were for antepartum haemorrhage and 38% took place during labour. Of the 254 babies born 18 (7%) died in the neonatal period. These deaths comprised 31% of all neonatal deaths during the study period in this hospital. The neonatal death rate was 70% for babies weighing less than 1000 g (7 of 10) and 23% for babies weighing 1000-1500 g (6 of 26), but only 3% for babies heavier than this (7 of 217). Of the 75 women with a subsequent pregnancy after the preterm caesarean section 56% were again delivered by caesarean section. In view of the maternal morbidity associated with caesarean section and the poor neonatal outcome at birthweights of less than 1500 g, the use of operative delivery for very low birthweight infants deserves further scrutiny.     

女性压力性尿失禁发生的危险因素分析

目的 调查城市社区女性压力性尿失禁发生的危险因素。方法 按照1：8随机抽样的方法,抽取福州市鼓楼区6066例妇女。调查项目包括：年龄、职业、文化程度、体重、血压、月经史、孕产史、分娩方式、新生儿体重、慢性疾病(高血压、糖尿病、慢性咳嗽、习惯性便秘)、腹腔或盆腔手术史、生活习惯(吸烟、酗酒、体育锻炼方式等)、尿失禁症状和发生频率、就医情况等。数据采用多因素回归分析。结果 问卷回收率为92．1％(5587／6066)。尿失禁发生率为18．1％,其中压力性尿失禁占8．8％。调查显示,诸因素中年龄[OR：1．010;95％可信限(CI)：1．001—1．025]、高体重指数(OR：1．092;95％CI：1．054—1．132)、高血压(OR：2．342;95％CI：1．026～5．349)、便秘(OR：1．448;95％CI：1．216—1．725)、多次流产(OR：1．306;95％,CI：1．113～1．533)、多次阴道分娩(OR：1．205;95％CI：1．009—1．440)、加腹压助产(OR．1．684;95％CI:1．140—2．489)、会阴直切(OR：2．244;95% CI：1．162～4．334)、会阴裂伤(OR：2．576;95％CI：1．724～3．851)、会阴切口感染(OR：5．988;95％CI：1．936—18．616)是尿失禁发生的危险因素。结论 压力性尿失禁的发生与多种因素有关,尤其与年龄和妊娠、分娩等产科因素关系密切。     

Subsequent pregnancy outcome after preterm breech delivery,a population based cohort study

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the mode of delivery in women with preterm breech presentation on neonatal and maternal outcome in the subsequent pregnancy.

Methods: Nationwide population-based cohort study in the Netherlands of women with a preterm breech delivery and a subsequent delivery in the years 1999–2007. We compared planned caesarean section versus planned vaginal delivery for perinatal outcomes in both pregnancies.

Results: We identified 1543 women in the study period, of whom 259 (17%) women had a planned caesarean section and 1284 (83%) women had a planned vaginal delivery in the first pregnancy. In the subsequent pregnancy, perinatal mortality was 1.1% (3/259) for women with a planned caesarean section in the first pregnancy and 0.5% (6/1284) for women with a planned vaginal delivery in the first pregnancy (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 0.31–10.1). Composite adverse neonatal outcome was 2.3% (6/259) versus 1.5% (19/1284), (aOR 1.5; 95% CI 0.55–4.2). The average risk of perinatal mortality over two pregnancies was 1.9% (10/518) for planned caesarean section and 2.0% (51/2568) for planned vaginal delivery, (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.49–1.9).

Conclusion: In women with a preterm breech delivery, planned caesarean section does not reduce perinatal mortality, perinatal morbidity, or maternal morbidity rate over the course of two pregnancies.     

分娩方式对产妇盆底支持组织功能的近期影响

目的 探讨不同分娩方式及产科相关因素对盆底支持组织功能的近期影响.方法 选取健康初产妇120例,其中阴道分娩72例(阴道分娩组),选择性剖宫产48例(剖宫产组),于分娩后6至8周间进行尿失禁问卷调查、盆底肌电图测定盆底肌肉收缩及舒张功能,并行相关性分析.结果 阴道分娩组与剖宫产组产妇分娩后SUI的发生率分别为21%(15/72)、10%(5/48).阴道分娩组盆底肌电图右侧活力值、功值分别为12.9±0.8和59±5,左右两侧平均功值为78±5;剖宫产组右侧活力值、功值分别为17.3±1.7和95±17,左右两侧平均功值109±15,两组各项值比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).产妇的年龄(P＜0.01)、分娩前体重指数(P＜0.01)、新生儿出生体重(P＜0.01)及第二产程时间(P=0.003)是产后发生SUI的高危因素;年龄、分娩前后体重指数差、第一产程时间、会阴侧切口长度和角度对盆底肌电图的部分测量值有影响.结论 阴道分娩后SUI发生率与选择性剖宫产相似;产科相关因素可以影响产后尿失禁的发生率及盆底肌肉收缩及舒张功能.     

Anal sphincter damage after vaginal delivery: functional outcome and risk factors for fecal incontinence

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of anal sphincter damage following delivery in the development of anorectal complaints and urinary incontinence, and to identify obstetric factors associated with subsequent fecal incontinence. METHODS: The retrospective cohort study with matched controls used a postal questionnaire and analysis of delivery and operation records from all women who underwent primary repair of a third or fourth degree perineal rupture in our hospital between 1971 and 1991, and their controls, matched for date and parity. Frequencies of complaints were compared using the Mantel-Haenszel common odds ratio [OR] for matched-control studies. Obstetric risk factors for fecal incontinence were assessed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In the period studied, 171 women underwent a primary repair. One hundred and forty-seven of which returned the questionnaire (86%), compared with 131 of the controls (73%). Analysis was performed on 125 matched pairs with a median follow-up of 14 years. Fecal incontinence was reported by 39 patients and 16 controls (OR: 3.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.57-6.10). Urinary incontinence was reported by 65 cases and 52 controls (OR:1.46; 95% CI: 0.91-2.37). Among women with anal sphincter damage, the extent of anal sphincter damage was an independent risk factor for fecal incontinence. (OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.45-4.45). Subsequent vaginal delivery was not associated with the development of fecal incontinence (OR: 2.32; 95% CI: 0.85-6.33). In primiparous women mediolateral episiotomy protected for fecal incontinence after anal sphincter damage (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.05-0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Anal sphincter damage following delivery is significantly associated with subsequent anorectal complaints, but not with urinary incontinence. The extent of sphincter damage is an independent risk factor for the development of fecal incontinence. Mediolateral episiotomy protects for fecal incontinence in primiparous women.     

Pelvic floor morbidity up to one year after difficult instrumental delivery and cesarean section in the second stage of labor: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess symptoms of pelvic floor morbidity at 6 weeks and at 1 year after difficult instrumental vaginal delivery or cesarean section during the second stage of labor. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of 393 women with term, singleton, cephalic pregnancies who required operative delivery in surgery at full dilatation between February 1999 and February 2000. Postal questionnaires were used for follow-up at 6 weeks and at 1 year. RESULTS: Instrumental delivery was associated with a greater risk of urinary incontinence at 6 weeks and at 1-year postdelivery, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 7.8 (95% CI, 2.6-23.6) and OR 3.1 (95% CI, 1.3-7.6), respectively. Although instrumental delivery was associated with an increased risk of moderate-to-severe dyspareunia at 6 weeks, adjusted OR 3.35 (95% CI, 1.36-8.25), this difference was not significant at 1 year. Cesarean section after attempted instrumental delivery was associated with an increased risk of moderate-to-severe pain during intercourse at 1 year compared with immediate cesarean section, (18% vs 9%) P=.01. CONCLUSION: Although cesarean section at full dilatation does not completely protect women from pelvic floor morbidity, those that followed instrumental delivery had a significantly greater prevalence of urinary symptoms and dyspareunia. Urinary symptoms persist up to 1 year after delivery.