Previous preterm cesarean delivery: identification of a new risk factor for uterine rupture in VBAC candidates.

OBJECTIVE: A major risk of trials of labor in patients with prior cesarean delivery is uterine rupture. We evaluated the question of whether a previous cesarean delivery at an early gestational age predisposes the patient to subsequent uterine rupture. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients delivering at North Shore University Hospital with a trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery to ascertain all cases of uterine rupture. Patients who had had a previous cesarean delivery at our institution who did not suffer uterine rupture during a trial of labor served as controls. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients suffered a uterine rupture. The incidence of prior preterm cesarean delivery (PPCD) in this group was 40%, compared to 10.9% of 691 laboring vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) patients without rupture (p < 0.001). Patients in the rupture group with a PPCD were less likely to have experienced labor in the index pregnancy and more likely to have had an interdelivery interval of less than two years. CONCLUSIONS: An undeveloped lower segment in the preterm uterus represents a risk for later rupture, even if the incision is transverse.     

Previous preterm cesarean delivery and risk of subsequent uterine rupture

OBJECTIVE: To determine if women with a history of a previous preterm cesarean delivery experienced an increased risk of subsequent uterine rupture compared with women who had a previous nonclassic term cesarean delivery. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed in singleton gestations that had a previous nonclassic cesarean delivery from 1999 to 2002. Women with a history of a previous preterm cesarean delivery were compared with women who had a previous term cesarean delivery. Women who had both a preterm and term cesarean delivery were included in the preterm group. RESULTS: A prior preterm cesarean delivery was significantly associated with an increased risk of subsequent uterine rupture (0.58% compared with 0.28%, P<.001). When women who had a subsequent elective cesarean delivery were removed (remaining n=26,454) women with a previous preterm cesarean delivery were still significantly more likely to sustain a uterine rupture (0.79% compared with 0.46%, P=.001). However, when only women who had a subsequent trial of labor were included, there was still an absolute increased risk of uterine rupture, but it was not statistically significant (1.00% compared with 0.68%, P=.081). In a multivariable analysis controlling for confounding variables (oxytocin use, two or more previous cesarean deliveries, a cesarean delivery within the past 2 years, and preterm delivery in the current pregnancy), patients with a previous preterm cesarean delivery remained at an increased risk of subsequent uterine rupture (P=.043, odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.50) compared with women with previous term cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Women who have had a previous preterm cesarean delivery are at a minimally increased risk for uterine rupture in a subsequent pregnancy when compared with women who have had previous term cesarean deliveries.     

Extremely preterm cesarean delivery: a clinical study

OBJECTIVES: To describe indications for cesarean section for extremely preterm delivery, peri- and postoperative complications and perinatal outcome. DESIGN: A case-referent study with clinical follow-up. SETTING: A tertiary perinatal center. POPULATION: All deliveries at gestational age <28 weeks at Ume? University Hospital in 1997-2003. For preterm cesarean section referents were women with elective first-time term cesarean section. METHODS: Indications for cesarean section delivery were assessed. Peri- and postoperative complications, asphyxia, and infant survival at discharge were described. RESULTS: The cesarean section rate was 75%, in one third the operation was considered as difficult. Indications for extremely preterm abdominal delivery were severe disease during pregnancy and delivery complications. Six out of ten cesarean sections were performed on fetal indication. Nonisthmic incision was performed in 20% of cases. No major postoperative complications and few minor postoperative complications were noted. Irrespective of mode of delivery, few of the infants had severe asphyxia. CONCLUSION: In balancing the risks of complications related to the surgical procedure against the purported benefits of the infant, this study adds support to the argument to deliver even extremely preterm infants by cesarean section.     

Successful pregnancy after renal transplantation in a patient with a urinary diversion.

A successful pregnancy is reported in a patient following renal transplantation and urinary diversion. The second half of pregnancy was complicated by hypertension, impaired renal function and obstruction of the ureter in the 35th wk. The latter complication required early termination of pregnancy by cesarean section. A healthy infant was delivered who survived without complications. Maternal renal function returned to pre-pregnancy levels following delivery.     

The effect of prematurity on vaginal birth after cesarean delivery: success and maternal morbidity

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) success and uterine rupture rates between preterm and term gestations in women with a history of one prior cesarean delivery. Our hypothesis was that preterm women undergoing VBAC were more likely to be successful and have a lower rate of complications than term women undergoing VBAC. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of women with a history of a cesarean delivery who either attempted a VBAC or underwent a repeat cesarean delivery from 1995 through 2000 in 17 community and university hospitals. We collected information on demographics, medical and obstetric history, complications, and outcome of the index pregnancy. The primary analysis was limited to women with singleton gestations and one prior cesarean delivery. Statistical analysis consisted of bivariate and multivariable techniques. RESULTS: Among the 20,156 patients with one prior cesarean delivery, 12,463 (61%) attempted a VBAC. Mean gestational ages for the term and preterm women were 39.2 weeks and 33.9 weeks of gestation, respectively. The VBAC success rates for the term and preterm groups were 74% and 82%, respectively (P < .001). Multivariable analysis showed that the VBAC success was higher (adjusted odds ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.27-1.86) in preterm gestations. A decreased risk of rupture among preterm gestations was suggested in these results (adjusted odds ratio 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.07-1.17; P = .08). CONCLUSION: Preterm patients undergoing a VBAC have higher success rates when compared with term patients undergoing a VBAC. Preterm patients undergoing VBAC may have lower uterine rupture rates.     

Delivery outcomes following loop electrosurgical excision procedure for microinvasive (FIGO stage IA1) cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to report the delivery outcomes in women who had loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for microinvasive cervical cancer (stage IA1 without lymphovascular invasion) and became pregnant and progressed beyond 24 weeks. METHODS: A case-control study was performed. Twenty-eight women who were managed exclusively with LEEP for microinvasive cervical carcinoma had at least one pregnancy beyond 24 weeks and were the cases. Each case was matched with one woman who delivered at the same department without prior treatment of her cervix (controls) and their delivery outcomes were compared with those of the cases. Known risk factors for preterm delivery were used as matching factors. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between cases and controls in the duration of pregnancy (37.6-38.4 weeks respectively), birth weight (3212-3315 g), cesarean section rate (17.8-32.1%), neonatal unit admission rate (21.4-10.7%), and precipitate labor rate (13-10.5%). The duration of labor was significantly shorter in cases (5.5-7.1 h, P = 0.032). After LEEP the relative risk for preterm delivery is 3.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.97-20.27), for low birth weight infant 0.67 (0.06-5.8), for precipitate labor 1 (0.05-3.88), and for delivery by cesarean section 0.5 (0.17-4.46). CONCLUSIONS: Women treated for microinvasive cancer with LEEP did not have significantly more delivery complications compared with controls apart from shorter duration of labor. There was a possible non-statistically significant trend toward shorter duration of pregnancy in cases. While caution should be advised when selecting and treating women with microinvasive carcinoma by LEEP, the apparent safety of the management and the satisfactory delivery outcome seem to justify this approach in many cases.     

Pregnancy in patients with previous successful renal transplantation

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors affecting pregnancy, perinatal outcomes, and short-term graft condition in women who underwent renal transplantation. Method: Between May 1998 and January 2005, the histories of 20 pregnancies in 17 renal transplant recipients were reviewed retrospectively at the Ministry of Health Aegean Obstetrics and Gynecology Teaching Hospital. Result: There were significant associations between high serum creatinine level (> 1.5 mg/dL) prior to pregnancy and preterm delivery (P = 0.04), and between short interval between transplantation and pregnancy (< 2 years) and increased rate of cesarean sections (P = 0.04). There were no significant changes in serum creatinine levels during pregnancy in these women, and there were no acute rejection and graft loss during pregnancy or in the 6 months following delivery. Conclusion: These findings suggest that, although pregnancy does not adversely affect short-term renal allograft function, the rates of obstetric and perinatal complications are increased. Risk factors present before conception are a short interval between renal transplantation and pregnancy and poor renal function.     

Risk factors of preterm delivery at less than 35 weeks in patients with renal transplant

BACKGROUND: To identify prenatal events associated with preterm delivery at less than 35 weeks of gestation in women with renal transplant. METHODS: A case-control study of 53 pregnancies in 42 renal transplant recipients, at a single center from 1984 to 2003 was analyzed. Preterm delivery cases (n=23) at less than 35 weeks of gestation were compared with the controls (n=30). RESULTS: Preterm delivery at less than 35 weeks of gestation occurred in 23 cases (43.4%). Hypertension (> or =140/90 mmHg) prior to pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) 6.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-38.6), proteinuria (> or =0.3g/day) prior to delivery (OR 11.7, CI 2.7-51.8) and serum creatinine (> or =1.5mg/dl) prior to delivery (OR 4.4, CI 1.0-19.5) were significantly associated with increased risk of preterm delivery. Perinatal or neonatal deaths were not found. Fetal anomaly was seen in one case (polydactyly), and periventricular leukomalacia was found in two cases. CONCLUSION: In this case-control study, hypertension prior to pregnancy, proteinuria and serum creatinine (> or =1.5mg/dl) prior to delivery were related to the occurrence of preterm delivery at less than 35 weeks in renal transplant pregnancies.     

Outcome of subsequent delivery after a previous early preterm cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) rate and risk of uterine rupture in women with a previous early preterm cesarean section. METHODS: Women who delivered their first child by cesarean section between 26 and 34 weeks of gestation were included in a retrospective cohort study. Medical charts were reviewed for characteristics of the index pregnancy and delivery. Information of the subsequent delivery was obtained from the medical charts or from information of the attending gynecologist if the delivery was elsewhere. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-six women were included: 131 (53.3%) women had a subsequent pregnancy, 64 (26.0%) had no subsequent pregnancy, and from 51 (20.7%) women no information could be obtained. Of the 131 women with a subsequent pregnancy, 93 (71.0%) underwent a trial of labor (TOL) and 80 (86.0%) achieved a vaginal delivery, resulting in a VBAC rate of 61.1%. One uterine rupture occurred with favorable neonatal outcome. The uterine rupture rate for the whole cohort was 0.8% (95% CI 0.02-4.0) and for the group of women undergoing a TOL 1.1% (95% CI 0.03-5.8). CONCLUSION: In this small series of women with a previous early preterm cesarean section the VBAC rate was high (61.1%) and the uterine rupture rate was 1.1%.     

医源性早产1823例临床分析

目的:研究医源性早产的发生率、发生因素以及分娩方式。方法:回顾性分析了2004年1月至2009年12月四川大学华西第二医院发生的医源性早产1823例。结果:2004年1月至2009年12月,四川大学华西第二医院医源性早产发生率为6.84%,占早产总例数的50.30%。妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症(ICP)、产前出血、妊娠期高血压疾病是导致医源性早产的前3位因素,分别占医源性早产总数的26.77%、23.64%、19.53%。118例医源性早产由人为因素造成。剖宫产终止妊娠1598例(87.66%)。结论:医源性早产已逐步成为早产的主要原因,人为因素已成为医源性早产的一大原因,剖宫产是医源性早产终止妊娠主要方式,产科医师应严格选择医源性早产终止妊娠的方式。     

Early preterm delivery due to placenta previa is an independent risk factor for a subsequent spontaneous preterm birth

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: To determine whether patients with placenta previa who delivered preterm have an increased risk for recurrent spontaneous preterm birth. METHODS: This retrospective population based cohort study included patients who delivered after a primary cesarean section (n = 9983). The rate of placenta previa, its recurrence, and the risk for recurrent preterm birth were determined. RESULTS: Patients who had a placenta previa at the primary CS pregnancy had an increased risk for its recurrence [crude OR of 2.65 (95 % CI 1.3-5.5)]. The rate of preterm birth in patients with placenta previa in the primary CS pregnancy was 55.9 %; and these patients had a higher rate of recurrent preterm delivery than the rest of the study population (p < .001). Among patients with placenta previa in the primary CS pregnancy, those who delivered preterm had a higher rate of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth regardless of the location of their placenta in the subsequent delivery [OR 3.09 (95 % CI 2.1-4.6)]. In comparison to all patients with who had a primary cesarean section, patients who had placenta previa and delivered preterm had an independent increased risk for recurrent preterm birth [OR of 3.6 (95 % CI 1.52-8.51)]. CONCLUSIONS: Women with placenta previa, who deliver preterm, especially before 34 weeks of gestation, are at increased risk for recurrent spontaneous preterm birth regardless to the site of placental implantation in the subsequent pregnancy. Thus, strict follow up by high risk pregnancies specialist is recommended.     

Pregnancy following urinary diversion

Five pregnancies were cared for in four patients who had undergone ureterosigmoid anastomosis or ileal conduit urinary diversions. The most common complication of pregnancy was urinary tract infection, ranging from asymptomatic bacteriuria to pyelonephritis. Significant obstruction of the diverted urinary tract failed to occur during gestation or delivery. Laboratory and radiographic studies demonstrated maintenance of baseline renal function. Offspring delivered showed appropriate growth for gestational age without associated anomalies. The authors' data and a review of the literature suggest that vaginal delivery is safe, and cesarean section may be reserved for obstetric indications. Pregnancy is not contraindicated after urinary diversion.     

Post-cesarean delivery fever and uterine rupture in a subsequent trial of labor

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of uterine rupture during a trial of labor after cesarean with postpartum fever after the prior cesarean delivery. METHODS: We conducted a nested, case-control study in a cohort of all women undergoing a trial of labor after cesarean over a 12-year period in a single tertiary care institution. The current study was limited to all women undergoing a trial of labor after cesarean at term with a symptomatic uterine rupture and who also had their prior cesarean at the same institution. Four controls, who all had their prior cesarean at the same institution, were matched to each case by year of delivery, number of prior cesareans, prior vaginal delivery, and induction in the index pregnancy. Medical records were reviewed for maximum postpartum temperature for the previous cesarean. Fever was defined as a temperature above 38C. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed taking into account potential confounding factors. RESULTS: There were 21 cases of uterine rupture included in the analysis. The rate of fever following the prior cesarean was 38% (8/21) among the cases, and 15% (13/84) in the controls, P =.03. Multiple logistic regression analysis examining the association of uterine rupture and postpartum fever adjusting for confounders revealed an odds ratio of 4.0, 95% confidence interval 1.0, 15.5. CONCLUSION: Postpartum fever after cesarean delivery is associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture during a subsequent trial of labor.     

Pregnancy outcomes and deliveries following laparoscopic transsection of uterine vessels: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To assess pregnancy outcomes and deliveries after laparoscopic uterine artery transsection (LTUV) in symptomatic women with fibroids. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endoscopic Training Center, Baby Friendly Hospital, Kladno, Czech Republic. DESIGN: One hundred and fifty three patients underwent laparoscopic transsection of uterine vessels during a 4-year period. RESULTS: Nine of the 21 women desiring pregnancy conceived spontaneously and one after anovulation treatment. The average age of the women was 32.4 years, and the range was 26-39 years. Two women had vaginal delivery at term and one delivered vaginally at 31 weeks secondary to premature preterm rupture of membrane (PROM). Four others delivered at term by cesarean section. One woman with placenta previa was delivered by cesarean section 3 weeks before term. Mean birth weight was 3199 g (range 1710-3910 g). One spontaneous abortion was reported in the first trimester of pregnancy. One case of undesired pregnancy occurred. An extrauterine pregnancy was reported in this woman. CONCLUSION: LTUV is a minimally invasive operative procedure, that preserves the uterus and ovarian blood supply and allows for the achievement of pregnancy in women with symptomatic fibroids. Fetal growth and umbilical Doppler findings remained normal in all cases. An increased risk for preterm delivery and cesarean section was found in this small series.     

分娩方式对尿失禁发生的影响

目的研究不同分娩方式对尿失禁发生及其程度的影响.方法选择2001年3月至2002年3月在北京大学第一医院妇产科分娩的初产妇1000例,采用国际尿失禁咨询委员会提供的尿失禁问卷表对其进行电话访问,了解她们孕前、孕期、产后1年及近期排尿情况.根据病例记录的分娩方式及相关资料,共完成有效病例548例.通过SPSS软件包计算各分娩方式中发生尿失禁的比例和程度,及影响尿失禁发生的相关因素.结果 (1)548例患者中有尿失禁症状者167例(30.5%).(2)对尿失禁发生的相关因素进行logistic回归分析,发现剖宫产及新生儿体重为产后发生尿失禁的影响因素.以阴道顺产发生尿失禁的OR为 1.0计算,剖宫产的OR=0.326,新生儿体重的OR=1.633.在阴道顺产及产钳助产分娩中,仅新生儿体重为发生尿失禁的高危因素(P=0.013,OR=2.081).(3)阴道顺产、产钳助产和剖宫产3者中尿失禁的发生率分别为38.6%(105/272)、43.8%(21/48)和18.0%(41/228),阴道顺产和产钳助产组间尿失禁发生率无显著性差异(P>0.05),两组与剖宫产组尿失禁的发生率比较,差异均有显著性(P<0.05).(4)阴道顺产组中混合性、压力性和急迫性尿失禁的比例分别为 4.4%、33.8%和0.4%.产钳助产组中3种尿失禁的比例分别为 8.3%、35.4%和0.0%.剖宫产组中以上3种尿失禁的比例分别为3.1%、14.5%和0.4%.压力性尿失禁在阴道顺产组和产钳助产组的发生率均高于剖宫产组(P<0.05),且重度压力性尿失禁的例数在阴道顺产组中高于剖宫产组(P<0.05).(5)尿失禁发生的时间167例患者中以产前即有、孕期出现并在产后1年内消失、产后1年内出现并在1年内消失、产后1年内出现并持续1年以上、产后1年以后或近期新出现等5种情况分类,其发生率分别为1.2%(2/167)、7.8%(13/167)、44.9%(75/167)、40.7% (68/167)和2.4%(4/167).结论 (1)与阴道顺产和产钳助产比较,剖宫产可降低压力性尿失禁的发生风险.(2)患者尿失禁的症状主要出现于产后1年内,其中部分患者症状可以持续1年以上.(3)新生儿体重增加使压力性尿失禁发生的风险增加.     

Pregnancy and delivery in patients with urinary diversion through the continent ileal reservoir

The social and psychologic sequelae after external urinary diversion are known to be fewer in patients with urinary diversion through the continent ileal reservoir (Kock pouch) compared with those with diversion through the incontinent ileal conduit. Therefore, in young female patients treated surgically with urinary diversion through the continent ileal reservoir, a number of pregnancies can be expected. We report herein the results of four pregnancies in three women with this type of reservoir. All deliveries were vaginal. One patient showed urinary obstruction at the end of the pregnancy and delivery was induced. This particular infant was treated with phototherapy because of hyperbilirubinemia; the other three infants were mature. No damage to renal function was noted and revisional surgical treatment of the reservoir was not necessary in any. Consequently, pregnancy is not contraindicated after urinary diversion through the continent ileal reservoir (Koch pouch).     

Obstetrical Outcomes in Adult Patients Born with Complex Anorectal Malformations and Cloacal Anomalies: A Literature Review

Patients born with complex anorectal malformations often have associated Müllerian anomalies, which might affect fertility and obstetrical outcomes. Other vertebral-anorectal-tracheoesophageal-renal-limb associations, such as renal or cardiac anomalies, could also affect pregnancy intention, fertility rates, and recommendations about mode of delivery or obstetrical outcomes. Associated conditions present at birth, like hydrocolpos, could also potentially affect fertility. Depending on the complexity of the anomaly, primary reconstruction might include vaginoplasty, vaginal interposition, perineal body reconstruction, and extensive pelvic dissection. After the initial reconstruction, patients might have multiple additional surgeries for stoma reversal, bladder augmentation, and creation of conduits, all with potential for pelvic adhesions. Pregnancy intention, fertility rates, mode of delivery, and obstetrical outcomes data are limited in this patient population, making it challenging to counsel patients and their families. We sought to evaluate all available literature in an attempt to better counsel families. A PubMed literature search was undertaken to review this topic. Search terms of “cloaca,” “anorectal malformation,” “pregnancy,” “cloacal exstrophy,” “vaginal delivery,” and “cesarean section” were used and citation lists from all identified articles were checked to ensure that all possible articles were included in the review. We also outline comorbidities from the fetal period to adulthood that might affect reproductive health. Of the articles on anorectal and cloacal anomalies, 13 reports were identified that covered obstetrical outcomes. They were in patients with previous anorectal malformation, cloaca, and cloacal exstrophy repair. Twenty-four pregnancies were reported in 16 patients. Two ectopic pregnancies, 5 spontaneous miscarriages, 1 triplet pregnancy, and 16 singleton pregnancies were reported with a total of 19 live births. Regarding the method of conception, 15/18 pregnancies occurred spontaneously and 3/18 were via assisted reproductive technology with in vitro fertilization. There were 19 live births, of which at least 8 were preterm. Müllerian anatomy was reported in 8 of 13 articles. Only 2 patients underwent vaginal delivery (1 patient with repaired cloaca malformation had an operative vaginal delivery and 1 patient with repaired imperforate anus with rectovaginal fistula had a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery). The remaining patients all underwent a cesarean section. There were no reported cases of maternal mortality, and maternal morbidity was limited to recurrent urinary tract infections and worsening chronic kidney disease. There is a paucity of information regarding obstetrical outcomes in adult anorectal and cloaca patients. However, patients with previous cloacal repairs have achieved pregnancy spontaneously, as well as with in vitro fertilization. Patients with repaired cloacal malformations are at increased risk of preterm birth and cesarean delivery. Most patients with cloacal anomalies have an associated Müllerian anomaly and therefore have an increased risk of preterm labor. From our review we conclude that contraception should be offered to patients not desiring pregnancy, and cesarean section is likely the preferred mode of delivery. On the basis of this review, we recommend proactive data collection of all such patients to document outcomes and collaboration among providers and between centers devoted to this complex patient population.     

Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies: etiology, diagnosis, and management

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the appropriate way to diagnose and treat an ectopic pregnancy in the uterine scar of a prior cesarean delivery. DATA SOURCES: Articles written in English that were published from January 1966 to August 2005 and quoted in the computerized database MEDLINE/PubMed retrieved by using the words "cesarean section," "cesarean delivery," "cesarean section scar pregnancy," and "ectopic pregnancy." Additional articles were obtained from reference lists of pertinent case reports and reviews. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Fifty-nine articles that met the inclusion criteria provided data on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment modalities of 112 cases of cesarean delivery scar pregnancies. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Review of the 112 cases revealed a considerable increase in the incidence of this condition over the last decade, with a current range of 1:1,800 to 1:2,216 normal pregnancies. More than half (52%) of the reported cases had only one prior cesarean delivery. The mean gestational age was 7.5 +/- 2.5 weeks, and the most frequent symptom was painless vaginal bleeding. Endovaginal ultrasonography was the diagnostic method in most cases, with a sensitivity of 84.6% (95% confidence interval 0.763-0.905). Expectant management of 6 patients resulted in uterine rupture that required hysterectomy in 3 patients. Dilation and curettage was associated with severe maternal morbidity. Wedge resection and repair of the implantation site via laparotomy or laparoscopy were successful in 11 of 12 patients. Simultaneous administration of systemic and intragestational methotrexate to 5 women, all with beta-hCG exceeding 10,000 milli-International Units/mL required no further treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment or combined systemic and intragestational methotrexate were both successful in the management of cesarean delivery scar pregnancy. Because subsequent pregnancies may be complicated by uterine rupture, the uterine scar should be evaluated before, as well as during, these pregnancies.     

The effect of pregnancy and mode of delivery on the prevalence of urinary and fecal incontinence

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relative effects of pregnancy and mode of delivery on the prevalence of urinary and fecal incontinence. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational multicenter study of women presenting to 6 gynecology clinics. Demographic data collected included: height, weight, gravidity, parity, and number of vaginal deliveries. Patients were diagnosed with incontinence by questionnaire. Standard univariate logistic regression analyses' were performed to determine the contribution of pregnancy, mode of delivery, and BMI on the prevalence of urinary and fecal incontinence. RESULTS: One thousand and four women were enrolled over an 18-month period. Two hundred and thirty-seven and 128 subjects had urinary and fecal incontinence, respectively. Odds ratio (95% CI) calculated for the prevalence of urinary incontinence by pregnancy and mode of delivery were: any term pregnancy vs no term pregnancy was 2.46 (1.53-3.95), any term pregnancy but no vaginal deliveries (cesarean section only) vs no term pregnancy was 1.95 (0.99-3.80), any term pregnancy and at least 1 vaginal delivery vs no term pregnancy was 2.53 (1.57-4.07), and any term pregnancy but no vaginal delivery (cesarean section only) vs any term pregnancy, and at least 1 vaginal delivery was 1.30 (0.77-3.95). Odds ratio (95% CI) calculated for the prevalence of fecal incontinence by pregnancy and mode of delivery were: any term pregnancy vs no term pregnancy was 2.26 (1.22-4.19), any term pregnancy but no vaginal deliveries (cesarean section only) vs no term pregnancy was 1.13 (0.43-2.96), any term pregnancy and at least 1 vaginal delivery vs no term pregnancy was 2.41 (1.30-4.49), and any term pregnancy but no vaginal deliveries (cesarean section only) vs any term pregnancy, and at least 1 vaginal delivery was 2.15 (0.97-4.77). BMI and age did not impact these results. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy increases the risk of urinary and fecal incontinence. Cesarean section does not decrease the risk of urinary or fecal incontinence compared to pregnancy with a vaginal delivery.     

The low birth weight infant: is there a preferred route of delivery?

In the management of the preterm pregnancy, cesarean delivery cannot be supported in the delivery of the preterm (less than 1500 g) cephalic-presenting fetus. Although cesarean may be of benefit in the management of the preterm breech fetus (less than 1500 g), there is yet no perspective randomized clinical trial to support its use.